Figures in a Frame

The year is 1789, and Eddy Adams awaits execution in Newgate Prison along with French puppeteer Henri Castillou. His escape is enabled by Calvert, an enigmatic gentleman who, from that moment on, appears to have an altruistic interest in saving Eddy at times of danger.

As a fugitive from the authorities, Eddy’s life takes on a momentum of its own. He becomes entangled with a band of highway robbers, falls in love with an extraordinary woman called Rumer and, on discovering he has a gift for carving wooden figures, is befriended by Italian puppeteer Giovanni Piccini, performer of the popular Punch & Joan street show.

With the Bow Street Runners hot on his heels, Eddy’s escape leads to him being taken prisoner by the French. The French Revolution is in full flow, and it is Calvert who once again comes to Eddy’s aid, reuniting him with fellow escapee Henri and his wayward wife Cécile. After experiencing life farming in the Pyrenees, Eddy finds himself responsible for Cécile and her son on a hazardous return to England.

Back in London, Eddy discovers a passion as a performer of the popular Punch & Joan street show, soon to become known as Punch & Judy, and reunites with his friend Piccini.

Finally settled after all his amazing escapes and adventures, Eddy needs to learn the identity of the man who made all this possible – his lifetime saviour Calvert.