Tom Stoppard: 'one of our greatest writers'

The play revolves around Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, childhood friends of Hamlet, who are summoned by King Claudius to investigate Hamlet's apparent madness. The story intertwines with the events of Hamlet, but focuses on the existential crises and philosophical musings of the two protagonists as they navigate their roles in the larger drama. The play is known for its witty dialogue, absurd situations, and deep exploration of fate, free will, and the nature of reality.

The provided text describes a fictional scenario involving Shakespeare but does not match any known play or book by Richard Penn Smith.

Set in Sidley Park, an aristocratic estate in Derbyshire, England, 'Arcadia' by Tom Stoppard navigates two distinct time periods: the early 1800s and 1993. The play follows the intellectual growth of Thomasina Coverly, a brilliant teenage girl in the 19th century, and a group of modern-day scholars who attempt to uncover the truth about the past. It delves into themes such as the nature of truth and time, the difference between classical and romantic temperaments, and the disruptive influence of sex on human lives. The garden at Sidley Park serves as a central symbol, representing the shift from classical order to romantic mystery and the Gothic style.