The Cast of Characters >>>>>>>>>>>>
In pre-Restoration England, both theatrical tradition and the statutes of law forbade women from appearing on the English stage, much to the chagrin of stage-struck Ellen Stirling, a fiery young woman who has grown up backstage with her famous father. Now, her arrogant, less-capable twin brother, Ned Stirling, is set to make his stage debut and is in love with Ellen’s best friend, Meg Wyatt, who desperately wants to be a playwright, as beloved and prolific as her father–a blasphemous ambition for a woman. Philip Somerton, Ellen’s dearest love, plans to leave his Oxford college to join his father, the Earl of Leighton, in King Charles’ army in its fight against a parliament in open rebellion. Julia Wharton is forced to disguise herself as a boy to help her infirm father hold onto his stage-keeper job by creating his stage effects for him, forever fearful her secret will be discovered, landing them both in the streets of London. Alec Barlow is a multi-talented young actor, singer, juggler, jig-dancer, comedian, best friend to Ned and enamored of Ellen. All hell breaks loose when Charity Browne, a determinedly pious young Puritan, is thrust into their midst at a time when tragedy strikes and everyone must take sides...........

The Action >>>>>>>>>>
The year is 1642, the eve of the English Civil War: and as the story opens the Puritan Parliament officially denounces stageplays as ‘… spectacles of lascivious Mirth and Levity,’ closes down the theatres, and condemns actors as ‘rogues and vagabonds.’ Though breaching the new law may bring dire consequences, each character mounts their own private and ever more public rebellion against family, friends and enemies of the state.

Recklessly resourceful, and keenly impassioned in their disparate causes, each faces issues that are just as relevant to young people in today’s political and social climate: freedom of expression, feminism, intolerance, individualism.

Tempers are tossed and hearts left aching as each struggles with disappointments, sorrow and forever-partings. Loyalties are tested and expectations mature as the young people confront their own fears and form unexpected alliances against unanticipated enemies. And learn that tolerance, just like friendship and honor, is a two-way street.