The date is Summer 1328. A new production of a play about Edward II is being planned, just one year after his death. On day one of the auditions for the lead role, a surprising contender shows up.

It's true that Edward didn't read much but he did enjoy hanging out with actors and acting himself. He also played the organ and the crwth. He was indeed said to be lazy, stubborn, devious, untrustworthy, with a terrible temper.

He really did send his son to meet King Charles and the story of John Powderham and his pet cat being possessed by the Devil is true.  There was no love lost between him and his Father because he had too many 'favourites'. He really did ignore his new bride and gave all the presents to Gaveston. Isabella, his wife, did rebel against him and sided with Mortimer to bring about his downfall. The conditions read to him about his conduct are direct quotes.

He was thrown in a dungeon but there's no evidence that he was killed by a red hot poker up the bottom.

If you want to find out more about Edward, check out the sources and places below:

The Plantagenets: The Kings Who Made England - Dan Jones

Penguin Monarchs Series: Edward II - Christopher Given-Wilson

The English Monarchs Series: Edward II - Seymour Phillips

Edward II: The Unconventional King - Kathryn Warner

Long Live the King: The Mysterious Fate of Edward II - Kathryn Warner

Edward II the Man: A Doomed Inheritance - Stephen Spinks