THE PLOT To Have World Premiere At Edinburgh Fringe
Writer-director Emma Howlett brings the Gunpowder Plot thriller to Summerhall's Main Hall.
theatregoose will present the world premiere of THE PLOT, a new work written and directed by Emma Howlett, as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The production will run August 6–31, 2026 (with previews August 6–7) at the Main Hall at Summerhall.
Set in the immediate aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot, the play follows two brothers accused of high treason as they await trial, while across the Thames a playwright attempts to reshape their story for his own survival. The narrative combines elements of courtroom drama, backstage storytelling, and tragicomedy to examine how history is constructed and who controls its telling.
Described as a fast-paced theatrical thriller, THE PLOT centers on the tension between truth and fiction, placing its characters in a shifting landscape where narrative becomes a tool of power. The work continues theatregoose’s focus on physically driven, visually immersive staging, incorporating stylized movement and design alongside text-driven storytelling.
Howlett said, “The Plot explores the power of storytelling at its most dangerous — when narratives can shape truth, influence power and determine who survives. The Gunpowder Plot is one of the most mythologised events in British history, and this show asks who gets to tell that story, and why.”
Howlett, artistic director of theatregoose, was named one of The Stage’s Fringe Five in 2025. Her previous works include Aether, Sisters Three, and Her Green Hell, all presented at the Fringe.
CAST & CREATIVES
The production features performances by Sophie Kean and Abby McCann. The creative team includes set, costume, and props designer Ellie Wintour, lighting designer Ed Saunders, and composer and sound designer Sarah Spencer.
TICKETING INFORMATION
THE PLOT will run August 6–31, 2026 (previews August 6–7) at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Hall at Summerhall. The running time is 70 minutes. Tickets are priced at £18–£20 plus booking fees. The production is recommended for ages 14 and up and includes content related to graphic violence and terrorism. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
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