Today I’m joining the blog tour for The Players Act I: All The World’s A Stage. My review is written with thanks to Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me on the tour and to the publisher for my copy of the book.

Blurb:

How far would you go to save what you truly love?

England, 1715.
When society doesn’t understand you, and your family is out of the picture, a strolling theatre company could be your perfect home…

Ambitious lead actor Thomas is determined to reach Drury Lane and prove to his father that he is not a failure.

Fierce Caroline has a traumatic past and is determined to protect the company which saved her.

Kind-hearted Annie just wants to look after her found family.

So, when their heartbroken manager Robert is injured and decides to fold the struggling company, the players are resolved to change his mind, whatever the cost. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against them. They’ve lost their stage, they still haven’t got a skull for Hamlet, and flamboyant ex-member Piero is hunting them down, with a spot of revenge on his mind…

Is it time for the final bow?

The Players Act 1: All The World’s A Stage gives voice to the forgotten strolling players of the 18th century in this fun, uplifting, and page-turning read.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Energetic, accessible historical fiction
• Working-class characters
• Found family
• Comedy and tragedy
• Shakespeare
• LGBTQ+
• Neurodiversity
• Mental health issues
• Multiple POV
• Heart and hope

Review:

As a theatre lover, I was intrigued to read The Players Act I: All The World’s A Stage to read more about how performances were staged in the past and understand how people would have connected with the theatre, both as actors and members of the audience. Amy Sparkes has created a world that allows this to happen, and although there are some less serious elements to the story, I did feel immersed in the theatrical life, which was clearly very important to many people.

Each chapter is narrated from the viewpoint of a different character, and this really helped me to see how each person was reacting differently to the situation around them. I enjoyed getting to know them and they are interesting and well constructed, although I did find some of them quite unlikeable in places.

Although The Players Act I: All The World’s A Stage is mostly comedic, Amy Sparkes writes with care and sensitivity about friendships, families, finding your place in the world and working through adversity, and this message shines through in the novel. I found several scenes heartwarming, especially towards the end.

There is definitely an opening for Act II where this novel finishes, and it will be interesting to see where Amy Sparkes takes these characters.

The Players Act I: All The World’s A Stage is available from Amazon.

You can follow the rest of the blog tour here: