Ep 1. The Play's the Thing

In the first episode of Will, entitled "The Play's the Thing," we are introduced to the young aspiring playwright William Shakespeare as he leaves his wife and children behind in Stratford-upon-Avon to pursue his dreams in the bustling city of London.

Upon arriving, Will quickly discovers that the theater scene is dominated by the legendary playwright Christopher Marlowe and his powerful patron, the Earl of Southampton. Determined to make a name for himself despite the odds, Will begins pitching his plays to the various theater companies in town, only to be met with rejection at every turn.

While trying to get his foot in the door, Will encounters a young actor named Richard Burbage who seems to share his passion for the stage. Together, they sneak into a theater where Marlowe's latest play is being performed and are blown away by the explosive energy of the actors and the response from the audience.

Inspired, Will begins working on a new play of his own, using his own experiences and the people he has encountered in London as source material. He recruits Richard and his fellow actors to perform a reading of the play for a wealthy merchant who might be interested in funding its production.

However, things take a dramatic turn when the Earl of Southampton invites Will to a lavish party and makes a stunning announcement about his future plans for the theater scene. Will realizes that his own dreams may be in jeopardy and must find a way to overcome the obstacles in his path if he wants to succeed in this cutthroat world of theater and politics.

With a dynamic cast of characters, a vividly rendered historical setting, and plenty of drama and intrigue, "The Play's the Thing" offers a thrilling introduction to the world of Will and the gripping story that will unfold over the course of the series.