The play is set in 1660 when Britain's brief experiment with republicanism ends and the monarchy is restored. Barker's other plays include A Hard Heart, Scenes from an Execution, and That Good Between Us.

Kelly's stage credits include Of Mice and Men, Endgame, Twelfth Night, and Amadeus. James has starred on stage The Cherry Orchard, Lysistrata, The Merchant of Venice, Hedda Gabler and Faith Healer, and is well known for her role in TV's The Jewel in the Crown.