The story takes place in 1794. As the French revolution becomes even more vicious the people of a small English town go about their business. These include William, a woodsman and Sophie his childhood friend. For her life in the town is dull and she seeks to escape to see and experience more of the world.

The town’s peace is interrupted by the arrival of a Frenchman, the Count Gilles de Rais who has purchased a nearby empty Manor House. He informs people that he has come here for peace and quiet and to escape the horrors of what is happening in France.

Sophie is excited about his arrival and sees this as a possible way to escape the tedium of her life and be able to explore the world beyond. De Rais seems to be captivated by Sophie but William who loves her is not taken in by this newcomer and is immediately suspicious. He feels that Sophie is in danger from the Count and is determined to protect the woman he loves.

However it is down to Sophie to protect herself after William is framed for murdering a local girl.

Throughout the tale the spirits of the 6 women who have been the victims of Bluebeard’s desire to bring death haunt the stage in the hope that they will finally be freed from their curse.