This play is must for any student of Shakespeare or Marlowe. While fictional, it seems to be fairly true to the little we know about Marlowe. His life outside the theatre, particularly his affiliation with Walsingham's spy network is well delineated. It certainly provides a chilling look at "Jolly Old England". Centered on the last one to two weeks of Marlowe's life, we also meet Sir Walter Raleigh (in fear of his life for having dared to marry one of Elizabeth's ladies-in-waiting) and Shakespeare (originally under a pseudonym). With no clear heir to the throne, it is a country rife with uncertainty. Both Catholics and atheists are suspected of being traitors. The School of the Night refers to secret meetings of atheists and agnostics that both Raleigh and Marlowe attended. There is an awesome speech in the second act in which Marlowe talks about the freedom the School allowed to simply be able share his thoughts (uncensored) with others. One of my friends wrote it out, just to be able to keep it with her. I have to say, though, if you are not familiar with Marlowe's life, this could be a very confusing play. For me and my friends (we read it to prepare us for a production) it was an exciting read.