Charles II is busy indulging himself in fruitless pursuits -­ going to the theatre, whoring and ruling the country. Among his entourage is his close friend and confidant the Earl of Rochester, an anti-monarchist, atheist, lyrical pornographic poet and the most notorious rake of the age.

Through a haze of alcohol, the Earl amuses the court with lewd and irreverent verse, but his disillusionment with life and the reign leads to actions that sorely test his relationship with the King.

Will falling in love save him?

This intelligent and witty play provides a fresh view of the real life character that inspired Etherege's Restoration romp The Man of Mode.