In 1589, a time of religious turmoil in England, Will Shakespeare arrives from the small town of Stratford to the wild streets of London with little more than a dream and a treacherous letter.

Will (Laurie Davidson) is wracked with guilt over the arrest of the rival playwright, Baxter (Tadhg Murphy), and he makes a dangerous confession to the beautiful and rebellious Alice (Olivia DeJonge). The future of the theatre is threatened when the crowd-pleasing actor, Kemp (William Houston), is tempted by another playhouse.

Will (Laurie Davidson) has an epiphany, which could lead him to success but he needs Alice's help (Olivia DeJonge). A charismatic fugitive from Will's past burdens him with a dangerous obligation.

Marlowe (Jamie Campbell Bower) introduces Will (Laurie Davidson) to the decadent elite of London but things take a macabre turn. Alice (Olivia DeJonge) is disillusioned and Will (Laurie Davidson) must fight for all that he holds dear.

An unexpected arrival from out-of-town sends Will's (Laurie Davidson) world spinning. A transcendental experience leads Marlowe (Jamie Campbell Bower) to deal with his past. Topcliffe (Ewen Bremner) deciphers a code that throws Will into a life and death situation.

Tensions rise as Will (Laurie Davidson) and Alice (Olivia DeJonge) continue to collaborate, while Anne (Deirdre Mullins) attempts to adjust to London life. Love forces Marlowe (Jamie Campbell Bower) to confront his darkest fears. Presto (Lukas Rolfe) is forced to confront true evil.