An exhilarating and hilarious story about theatre, bravery and how a little voice can make a big difference.

1597, the Globe Theatre. A crisis is underway. The Lord Chamberlain has closed the playhouses and banned the theatre company from the stage. The livelihoods of hundreds of artists are suddenly in jeopardy.

There's only one thing for it: somebody must face the terrors of Blackfriars and travel through London to deliver a petition directly to the Queen of England herself. But who'd be brave (or foolish) enough to take on the task? Enter an unexpected hero…

Jessica Swale's play The Playhouse Apprentice was first performed at the Globe Theatre, London, in a production by the students of Dulwich College.

The Nick Hern Books Multiplay Drama series features large-cast plays specifically written to be performed by and appeal to young people. For more information, visit www.multiplaydrama.co.uk.