The Plot Review: Gunpowder Treason Myth Exploded in Edinburgh 2026

The Plot review reveals a daring two-hander that explodes the myths of the Gunpowder Plot, blending gunpowder, treason, and political spin into a fiery hour of theatre. At Summerhall, Edinburgh, until 31 August, this TheatreGoose production reimagines the infamous 1605 conspiracy through the eyes of Thomas and Robert Wintour, two Catholic brothers who find themselves in purgatory after their plot to blow up parliament fails.

Gunpowder Treason and the Myth of Guy Fawkes

Emma Howlett's writing digs beneath the simplified story of Guy Fawkes, the stooge who 'carried the can' for a conspiracy that implicated many. The play challenges the 5 November fireworks mythology, exposing a slippery pattern of power play and double dealing that reached the highest levels of James I's court. As the brothers recount their fate, they feel more sympathy for Fawkes, who became England's scapegoat.

Political Spin and Shakespeare's Macbeth

The production cleverly nods to Shakespeare, who almost certainly channelled the events of 1605 into Macbeth, warning against usurping a king. This connection enriches the narrative, showing how the gunpowder plot seeped into England's cultural DNA. However, the play struggles with Howlett's formal, period-flavoured text, which often demands declamation over subtlety.

Performance and Direction: A Fiery but Flawed Delivery

Sophie Kean and Abby McCann bring immense energy to their roles, donning doublet and hose to tell this very male story. Yet they are burdened by the script's stiffness, failing to match the physical invention and lightness of last year's Aether. The result is an engaging drama that feels more like a history lesson than a theatrical revelation.

Comparison: The Plot vs. Aether

Key Takeaways from The Plot Review

• Explodes the Guy Fawkes myth, revealing a complex web of political spin.
• Connects the gunpowder plot to Shakespeare's Macbeth.
• Strong performances but hampered by formal text.
• More history lesson than theatrical triumph.
• Runs at Summerhall, Edinburgh, until 31 August.

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