After years of war, peace is to be reached between England and France, sealed by the marriage of the English prince and the French princesse.
A company of actors are to be sent from England to Paris, to perform at a theatrical gala in celebration of the union. Croke's band of performers are carrying with them an ex-soldier Luke, on the run from the law.
Circumstances twist, turn and contrive to place the soldier on the stage, with his new found beloved, where he must ad lib a play of great ingenuity to appease royalty, and the law's claim upon him.
The Royal Pardon or The Soldier who became an Actor was first performed at the Bedford Arts Centre, Devon, in 1966.