The Lies and Spies of Old Queen Liz - A Historical Spy Thriller

Oct 22, 2026

Set in 1591 England under Elizabeth I, the play depicts a surveillance state where spies, saboteurs, and informants lurk behind every street corner. Political tension and economic ruin intensify suspicion, while even dissenting speech or carrying a Catholic rosary can trigger interrogation or worse. At the center is a lethal rivalry between three powerful figures vying for control of intelligence: Essex, Cecil, and Raleigh.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

The surveillance state under Queen Elizabeth I

Espionage, suspicion, and religious conflict

The triangle of spymasters: Essex, Cecil, and Raleigh

Consequences for agents and the risk to personal lives

PLAY FEATURE The Lies and Spies of Old Queen Liz By Luke Evans Research Dramaturg The year is 1591, and Queen Elizabeth I has turned England into a surveillance state. Spies and saboteurs lurk around every corner, waiting to sell poor souls down the river to curry favor with Her Majesty. The severed heads of traitors can be seen lined up on spikes atop London Bridge. With political tensions rising and the economy circling the drain due to a drawn-out war with Spain, there is little the average Englishman will not do to save themselves from social and financial ruin. Secrets, plots and suspicion abound; it is a very dangerous time to roam the streets of London. But considering the number of enemies — both in England and overseas — who were clamoring for her head, is it any wonder the Queen kept her subjects under careful watch? She kept a particularly close eye on the Catholics in her country, many of whom were displeased to have a Protestant on the throne. In 1591, it was less than 60 years since Elizabeth’s father, King Henry VIII, had broken away from the Catholic Church and established his own Church of England in order to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. England was rife with religious upheaval during those 60 years. Many English Catholics believed Elizabeth’s swift death to be the only answer for their woes. Shrewd ruler that she was, Elizabeth responded by establishing an expansive spy network designed to catch these schemers and would-be assassins. Agents were tasked with roaming the streets in search of conspirators and sometimes went undercover with potential traitors. It was almost impossible to determine who was secretly reporting to Her Majesty. Anyone caught voicing a subversive opinion, stating disapproval of the Crown or even just carrying a Catholic rosary might find themselves being called in for questioning — or worse. Anyone caught voicing a subversive opinion, stating disapproval of the Crown or even just carrying a Catholic rosary might find themselves being called in for questioning — or worse. 16 \ GUTHRIE THEATER Reprinted by permission of the Alley Theatre. At the center of it all: a trio of rivals with significant sway and equal hunger for power. Each was vying for the unofficial position of head spymaster that had previously been occupied by Sir Francis Walsingham, who died in 1590. Each had their own claim to Walsingham’s position, and each was willing to stab the others in the back (so to speak) to secure their place. The most passionate and dangerous of these rivals was Robert Devereux, Second Earl of Essex — a man with high political ambition and one of the Queen’s favorites. A fierce military leader, Devereux was known for being a wild card. He took an aggressive approach to the espionage game, and he was not above inserting himself in situations that he had been explicitly warned away from. Some found his arrogance exasperating, but the Queen (at this point in time, at least) found it endearing and gave him her favor. She was not the only one, as many subjects favored his zealous approach to the “Catholic problem.” He was also son-in-law to the late Walsingham, and some English nobles considered him tobe Walsingham’s rightful successor. However, Devereux faced stiff competition from Robert Cecil, First Earl of Salisbury —Walsingham’s former pupil and seemingly natural successor. Cecil had learned the art of statecraft from his father, Lord Burghley, and the art of espionage from Walsingham. A levelheaded and strategic man, Cecil was responsible for some of the Queen’s most successful operations during his time. But for all his efficacy, he was none too adored by the people. Cecil THE TRIANGLE OF SPYMASTERS Robert Devereux Second Earl of Essex Robert Cecil First Earl of Salisbury Sir Walter Raleigh British Royal Army was known to be a hunchback and a miser who was not overly personable. While his talent for politics exceeded Devereux’s,

FAQs

What setting and political conditions drive the story in 1591?

In 1591, Queen Elizabeth I has turned England into a surveillance state amid rising political tensions and a failing economy tied to a long war with Spain.

How does the spy network operate, and what risks do ordinary people face?

Agents roam London searching for conspirators and sometimes go undercover. People can be questioned—or worse—for subversive opinions, disapproval of the Crown, or even carrying a Catholic rosary.

Who form the central triangle of spymasters, and what motivates their rivalry?

Robert Devereux (Essex), Robert Cecil (Salisbury), and Sir Walter Raleigh compete for the unofficial role of head spymaster after Sir Francis Walsingham’s death. Each claims the position and is willing to undermine the others to gain power.

Oct 22, 2026

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