Anonymous

In modern-day New York, Derek Jacobi opens the narrative with a monologue questioning the missing manuscripts of William Shakespeare. He emphasizes Shakespeare's status as the most performed playwright in history, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the world of Elizabethan theatre.

The story shifts to Elizabethan London, where Ben Jonson is seen fleeing from soldiers while carrying a crucial parcel of manuscripts. He desperately seeks refuge in The Rose theatre, but the soldiers set fire to the theatre in their quest to capture him.

Following the fire at The Rose, Ben Jonson is captured and taken to the Tower of London. There, he faces intense questioning from the puritanical Robert Cecil about the missing writings, which are believed to be in his possession but are not found.

In a flashback, we see Edward, the Earl of Oxford, now banished from court during the waning years of Queen Elizabeth I's reign. As the aging queen's health declines, Edward grapples with the power dynamics at play, as he contemplates the future of the crown.

The Cecils plan to secure the crown for King James VI of Scotland, which angers a faction of nobles led by Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex. Tensions rise as Edward's young friend, Henry, is drawn into political intrigue, pledging support to Essex amid warnings from Edward.

Edward witnesses a performance of Ben Jonson's play, realizing the profound influence theatre can have on public sentiment. He decides to utilize this medium against the Cecils, who are opposed to the theatre and its perceived falsehoods.

After securing Ben's release from jail, Edward persuades him to stage his own work, Henry V, while posing as the true author. The play captivates audiences, with even Ben begrudgingly acknowledging Edward's talent as a playwright.

Queen Elizabeth reminisces about her past when she received a memento from Edward that brings back memories of her youth. The woman who gifted her the item rekindles feelings about her own past, showcasing the intertwining of their lives.

After a series of events, Edward's relationship with Queen Elizabeth leads to complications, including her pregnancy. Manipulated by William Cecil, their union is thwarted, and she is forced to send their illegitimate child away, resulting in Edward's heartbreak and eventual banishment.

Despite claims of authorship, Shakespeare discovers the truth behind Edward's plays and begins extorting him for fame and fortune. This betrayal further complicates the relationship between the two playwrights and sows distrust in the theatre community.

Edward attempts to incite a rebellion against the Cecils by writing the play Richard III, planning to rally support from the populace. His strategy is thwarted when Ben betrays the plot to Robert Cecil, resulting in dire consequences.

As the mob is confronted by soldiers, Essex and Henry find themselves in peril at the palace. The conflict highlights the dangers of political ambition as they surrender after being cornered, illustrating the chaos of civil strife.

Edward learns the shocking truth about his lineage and the many illegitimate children Elizabeth had. This revelation forces him to confront the implications of his relationship with her, deepening the tragedy of his situation and shaping his future actions.

On his deathbed, Edward entrusts the care of his hidden manuscripts to Ben, confessing to his feelings of unrecognized talent and desire for approval. This moment reveals the depth of their complicated relationship and the legacy they share.

After Edward's passing, talks of his true authorship surface, but Robert Cecil remains determined to erase his memory. Yet, even in death, Edward's influence endures as Ben promises to protect his works, leaving the future of the plays uncertain, yet forever impactful.