During a time of religious turmoil in England, Will Shakespeare arrives in London from the small town of Stratford with little more than a dream and a treasonous 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 has an epiphany that could bring him success, yet he needs Alice's help. Meanwhile, a magnetic fugitive from Will's past comes forth with a dangerous obligation.

Marlowe introduces Will to the decadent elite of London, but things take a macabre turn; Alice becomes disillusioned; Will must fight for all he holds dear.

An unexpected arrival sends Will's world spinning; a transcendental experience leads Marlowe to deal with his past; Topcliffe 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.