Character on the couch : #8 Guy Fawkes
Each week we subject one of drama's great personalities to psychoanalysis. Today Guy Fawkes is played by Barry Aird. The psychiatrist is Lisa Allardice.
Psychiatrist: Good morning Mr Fawkes, how are you feeling today?
Guy Fawkes: A little stressed. I'm planning a big party for the opening of parliament, for the new King. It's supposed to be a secret, but more people are getting involved. It's not easy keeping a big bang on this scale quiet.
P: What sort of party is it going to be?
GF: I'm thinking loud, I'm thinking explosive. But we are a bit short of cash - you don't have a spare penny for the party, do you? I need some sparklers. And in honour of the Catholic martyrs maybe a Catherine Wheel or two.
P: How does religion come into this?
GF: Religion comes into everything. King James is a bit of this and a bit of that. His mother was Catholic, a good woman. Robert Cecil, his adviser, is a spoil sport. He wants to stop the party.
P: You seem to be getting a little carried away with the whole secrecy thing. Do you see yourself as a bit of a plotter?
GF: Well you know, rumours start and things can blow up out of all proportion.
P: You also seem a bit obsessed with explosions. Would you say you had pyrotechnic tendencies?
GF: Who doesn't enjoy playing with fire?
P: I see. Were you drawn to it as a boy?
GF: I've burned down a few things, who hasn't? It's part of adolescence.
P: Not much Catholic guilt here, then.
GF: I've nothing to feel guilty about. We are the true faith. But there is a little bit of anti-Catholic feeling at the moment.
P: Are you worried about the party being a success?
GF: No. I'm a military man. If it all goes to plan I can make a name for myself - Guy Fawkes will be known for years.
P: Interesting. Do you have delusions of grandeur? Problems with authority?
GF: Not with the authority of the Pope. But the local authority for health and safety are being tricky about the party.
P: Time's up. Good luck with it all.
GF: Erm, my Zippo is on the blink, you don't have a match, do you?
· The RSC's Speaking Like Magpies will be in Stratford on November 5. The Gunpowder Season transfers to the Trafalgar Studios in London, December 21-February 25. Box office: 0870 060 6632.