Author Charles Nicholl takes us back to the Elizabethan era, discussing true crime plays performed on English stages in 1599. The podcast explores the competition between Shakespeare's company and the Admiral's Men, the sociological aspects of murder in theatrical narratives, and the gruesome world of staging body dismemberment scenes in theater. It also delves into the blurred lines between reality and fiction in true crime dramas, and the early fascination with true crime in Elizabethan times.

Charles Nicholl investigates the 1593 murder of Christopher Marlowe, discussing evidence of shadowy political dealings. They explore Marlowe's role as a spy and the circumstances surrounding his interrogation and release. The hosts delve into the theory of the murder, recommending further reading and other podcasts.