Although Guy Fawkes is the one whose name we remember, and the effigy still burned on bonfires across the UK on 5th November, there were 13 conspirators involved in the 1605 Gunpowder Plot to assassinate King James I of England/ King James VI of Scotland. We meet brothers Thomas and Robin Wintour in Purgatory after they’ve been sentenced to death for their involvement, both wrestling with themes of betrayal, sacrifice and scapegoating.
Writer/ director Emma Howlett weaves together modern speech and Shakespearean language as she explores parallels between the botched conspiracy, masterminded by the radical Catholic Robert Catesby, and modern British society. Sophie Kean and Abby McCann flip between playing various roles using swift costume tweaks and an ingenious, simple set by Ellie Wintour, but not all the complexities feel well dealt with.
An intriguing tangle of misguided loyalties and thwarted ambition, the production feels overly long at 70 minutes, with some over-zealous comedy delivery at points, which doesn’t always work. A very promising premise, but the dense script means it doesn’t fully detonate in the end.
The Plot, Summerhall, until 31 Aug, 7.30pm