Swinging London, late 1580's. Into this land of milk and honey comes Will Shaksper, a naive young man with a perfect memory, a deformed hand and a satchel full of poems. Eager to prove himself among the big boys, he submits his work to his childhood enemy turned printer and befriends the up-and-coming actor Richard Burbage. But he can barely wield a quill, and the competition is daunting. So what makes him think he can challenge the cut-throat dogs of London theatre with his grammar school education and his starry-eyed optimism? It all seems hopeless – until he meets Kit. Charismatic and dangerous, this veritable wunderkind of verse takes an unexpected interest in the newcomer. Before long, a dazzled Will lets himself be led down a path he never thought to tread.