The Shakespeare Code apparent ontological paradox by inspiring Shakespeare to borrow phrases that the Doctor quotes from his plays. Examples of this include the Doctor telling Shakespeare that "all the world's a stage" (from "As You Like It") and "the play's the thing" (from "Hamlet"), as well as the name Sycorax from "The Tempest". However, when Shakespeare himself coins the phrase "To be, or not to be", the Doctor suggests he write it down, but Shakespeare considers it "too pretentious". In a different version of the joke, the Doctor exclaims "Once more unto the breach", and Shakespeare initially likes the phrase, before realising
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,