The Shakespeare Code it is one of his own from "Henry V", which was probably written in early 1599. When questioning Shakespeare about witches, Martha remarks that he has written about witches; a reference to "Macbeth", which Shakespeare denies. At the time in which the episode is set, Shakespeare had yet to write "Macbeth" or "Hamlet", which prominently feature the paranormal, such as witches and ghosts. There are numerous other allusions to Shakespeare's plays. Just before the Doctor steps out of the TARDIS, he exclaims "Brave new world", from Act V Scene I of "The Tempest". In an early scene a sign is
The Shakespeare Code screaming youth and apparently rip him to shreds. Meanwhile, the TARDIS lands around Southwark in 1599. The Doctor, who promised to take Martha on one trip, takes her to a performance of "Love's Labour's Lost" at the Globe Theatre. At the end of the play, William Shakespeare announces a forthcoming sequel entitled "Love's Labour's Won". Lilith uses a voodoo doll to influence Shakespeare to declare that the new play will premiere the following evening. The Doctor and Martha go to the inn where Shakespeare is staying. The Doctor introduces himself with his psychic paper but it appears blank to Shakespeare,