At times amusing, at times extremely moving, this is the story of Lord Burghley and Queen Elizabeth I, two of the greatest characters in English history.

As she approaches the latter years of her reign, Elizabeth struggles to come to terms with the execution of Mary Stuart and Lord Burghley wrestles with the dark secret he alone knows. Both face the challenge posed by a youthful court which looks to the future not the past.

From the pen of Paula Danholm, writer of Egg and Chips For Winston, which gained a five star review from the Edinburgh Fringe and equally excellent reviews from its New York performances, comes Do Not Go Gentle Into That Goodnight.

The play is based on the lives of Queen Elizabeth I and her adored Chief Minister, William Cecil, Lord Burghley during the latter part of her reign. Burghley is approaching the end of his days, leaving Elizabeth without her trusted advisor and father figure. Desperately, she fights to keep him well and at court, but even she cannot command death. Terrified, she faces the turn of the century with a youthful court and ambitious young men who see her only as a relic of the past.

Contrasted against these two aging characters, are the feisty young maids of honour, who are desperate for freedom and who rebel against Elizabeth’s strict discipline. Burghley’s son, Sir Robert Cecil, whom Elizabeth views with suspicion, is set to take over his father’s position at court.

This intimate play, which takes its title from Dylan Thomas’ poem of the same name, is full of pathos, wit and humour, revealing the humanity of two giants of history and the dark secrets hidden in their past.

OTCone returns to the Lawrence Batley for the first time since The Importance of Being Earnest.  During that time they have performed in Edinburgh, New York and at home, here in Huddersfield. Richard Galloway directs this exciting, innovative young company. Alexander Watkins, plays Lord Burghley and Paula Danholm herself plays the inimitable Good Queen Bess!

A London critic once said of Miss Danholm’s work, 'If you cannot buy a ticket, beg, borrow or steal one!'  Don’t miss out!