Reviews

Reviews for Macbeth/Lady/Macbeth

Alma Tavern Theatre, Bristol and a secondary school in Gloucester, January and February, 2026

‘I did wonder before attending the show “how on earth will he tell the story of Macbeth in just over an hour on his own?” Edward’s abridgement was excellent and covered the entire plot, allowing for clear storytelling while removing enough to keep the show short and snappy at 70 minutes.’

‘The real treat came with the scenes with dialogue between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. How Derbyshire kept track of all this is a masterclass, and this Gollum-esque performance was extremely impactful. It’s a genius way to suggest the split psyche between partners, the suggested subversion of personalities within gender roles, the outsourcing of resilience and emotional regulation.’

‘I also loved how the panels were used to switch between the different characters, making the story easy to follow.’

‘A magnificent portrayal of the characters presented.’

On January 10th, 2024, in his first feature length outing, Bottom appeared at the Cheltenham Playhouse...and this is a taste of what the audience thought...

'Dear Edward, I thought you were great tonight - brave genuine sweet and funny. I really loved the Latin P[yramus]&T[hibse]!! Had a good laugh and also found it thought provoking. Loved the music too. Thanks so much. Congratulations!' wrote Yvonne.

'Wow Edward! What a fabulous evening. I loved the humour, energy, all the crazy props, the prose, music and Bottom's concern for our world!' wrote Nancy.

'Thank you so much Edward for a special evening, full of warmth, humour and wonderful music. Neil and I also loved the Latin P[yramus] & T[hisbe]! Looking forward to the Chinese version you promised…!' wrote Karina.

'Loved the Latin play, in particular 😂😂😂 - you're a natural at slapstick and all that wig stuff was hilarious. Congratulations!' wrote Penny.

'Well done yesterday - brilliantly entertaining show! 👏' wrote Amber.

'Your performance last week Edward was wonderful! We loved every minute of it- such fun and so entertaining! Thank you so much,' wrote Nic.

With performances coming up later this season in Gloucester, Wales, Bristol, Hereford and Cheltenham, do please feel free to contact me at shakespearesheets@gmail.com or on 07876597926 to book your own show.

If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream.

Bottom wrote his own piece to end his story: 'Give Glimmering Light'. He would like to share a taster...

Audience reactions to ‘An Overweening Rogue, or, Malvolio between the Sheets’

‘My favourite part of last night was the chaotic conversation and quick change routine which was so energetic I felt out of breath just watching.’ – Dafydd

‘Last night was amazing. Thank you so much. We had a great night. It was so well thought out, performed, staged and imagined. Well done.’ - Andrew

‘Inventive, witty, slapstick, pathos, shadowplay, fun, lyrical, musical, exuberant, entertaining. One man – so many characters and moods and that lasting smile to brighten everyone’s grey February day! You nailed it Edward. Thank you so much.’

‘There were 3 men sitting in front of me and one of them stood up and said to the person sitting behind them, “Well wasn’t that wonderful? Just what we needed…”'

‘Always so special to see you work your storytelling magic and bring your inspirational exuberance and humour to the stage. As ever, you created such a wonderfully warm atmosphere, with beautiful music too.’