The Gunpowder Plot

This Play in a Day is for up to 35 KS2 or 3 pupils. The pupils will work with a facilitator throughout the day and have the opportunity to share a short performance to an audience of their choice at the end of the day.

When good Queen Bess pops her royal clogs, the Tudor dynasty comes to an end. James 1st is her successor. James really can't be done with all these fawning peasants but frankly he's going to look gorgeous come what may, so… it looks like there could be fireworks ahead!         

There is great tension across the land as Catholics fear for their safety and Protestants fear a backlash from powerful enemies abroad. Everyone is jostling for power and getting ready to take any chance that comes their way. The trouble is one Will Shakespeare, playwright, is suffering from writer's block. It is a time of spies, plotting, traitors and gunpowder. Powerful enemies lurk in the shadows and the defence of the realm is at stake, no less. In the Midlands a group of wealthy gentlemen meet and decide the time is right to strike a blow for their cause. This King and Parliament just have to go, folks. Boom! Thirteen conspirators, thirty barrels of gunpowder and one rather nervous Guido Fawkes caught looking very shifty indeed. Bang to rights. Meanwhile poor Will continues to twiddle his quill pen and stare at his blank parchment… Something's got to give.

Working together as actors to create a fun, action-packed short performance, pupils will meet the real people behind the infamous 'Gunpowder Plot'. Children can explore the incident itself, discover a host of real life characters connected to it and together we'll ask who was really behind the plot and why.

'"The children were fully engaged, enthusiastic and inspired. It was a fabulous way to introduce to, and submerse them in, a new topic (Gunpowder Plot). The session leader was super and instantly ignited the children’s imagination and created a constructive, safe environment ; based on a lovely rapport with the group" (School in Rochdale).

More information about Play in a Day workshops can be seen here or ask one of our School Coordinators. You can call on 01937 832740, fill out an online enquiry form or email us directly on info@konfluxtheatre.co.uk