Notorious English alchemist Edward Kelley pursues the elusive Philosopher’s Stone through sex (wife swapping), drugs (gold elixir), and a baroque’n'roll lifestyle of back stabbing, espionage, poetry and proto-science.

Rulers of the late 16th century see alchemy as a research and development arm of their Renaissance empires. The sums invested are great and expectations are high. Failure is not tolerated.

By Richard Byrne
Directed by Marcus Kyd