Everyone thinks they know the story of Guy Fawkes.

But what really happened has been debated - one theory even suggests there wasn't a plot at all and it was a government fix-up.

Writer Edward Kemp has attempted to piece together a version of events for his production, 5/11, which marks the 400th anniversary of the gunpowder plot.

And it has resulted in an epic play involving 25 actors, making it the biggest new play outside London this year.

It's 1605 and the war on terror is going badly. A group of young religious fanatics has recruited a mercenary, Guy Fawkes, to strike at the heart of the English government.

But in a police state no one can be trusted and their plot is going to be turned against the very people it was meant to save.

Edward says: "My reading of events was there was a plot but when it came to light the government made use of that information, that plot, to get exactly what it wanted.

"It's very much a story about spin, about how governments take real events and turn them to their own advantage.

"I have tried to piece together a story you can stage as a play. In writing that I have been guided by the evidence which does exist. All the evidence is questionable. I have tried to pick my way through that."

The play, with Alistair McGowan of Big Impression fame playing King James, displays parallels with what we see going on in the world today. But it's not all serious, says Edward, who is working with director Steven Pimlott on the production.

He says: "King James is a bizarre character and his court, the world around him, is very comic.

"It's a real mix of stuff - singing and pageantry, and an extinct animal makes an appearance on stage."

Not showing on all days. Call for full listings and bookings on 01243 781312. Tickets cost £10-£34.