"I thoroughly enjoyed King Lear (alone). It’s great play, made even better by Young’s strong work in bringing this version of Lear to life. Like all good literary reimaginings, it has made me reconsider the original and has changed the way I look at King Lear. I would highly recommend it."

"Bramwell’s script skilfully blends Shakespeare’s original text with backstories and dialogue of his own invention, allowing the audience to have a deeper understanding of Lear’s relationship with his favourite daughter, Cordelia."

"Young’s powerful performance holds the audience’s attention, and Lear is by turns petulant, arrogant, self-loathing and deeply needy, yet he always retains some degree of sympathy even as the play refuses to gloss over Lear’s intense flaws."

"This play, written by Frank Bramwell, surprises us with the depths of the protagonist’s psyche, which are flawlessly shown by Bob Young’s one-of-its-kind acting. These two are the stage’s perfect match, making King Lear (alone) a powerful voice on the subject of humanity and the worth of truth and words."

"This was a thoroughly satisfying and thought-provoking reworking of a familiar play."

"A magnificent, strong piece of high art theatre playing nicely with Shakespeare’s King Lear."

"Of course, in a one-man production, the play stands or falls on the quality of the actor. In Bob Young, King Lear (Alone) has at its core a wholehearted and committed performer, capable of conveying the quicksilver changes of mood that epitomise Lear’s character."

"Although the way the play is written makes it easy to understand to any audience (even if you’ve never read or seen King Lear before it is still for you!), theatre and Shakespeare lovers will find even more pleasure in it as Bramwell has for us many surprises and references. Both ways, however, it is a cultural must-see."

"Young’s performance in general was a powerhouse. I left in no doubt that for the hour he spent on the stage he was Lear.  Every action, every word, every thought was Lear’s. His voice was strong and powerful and his emotional range was completely believable. He used the stage well without wandering aimlessly and interacted so naturally with characters that weren’t really there."

"I left the theatre feeling like I’d been exposed to a flawed individual at their most honest – and that honesty is something as terrifying, courageous and honourable as ruling a nation..... the outstanding performance of Bob Young and Bramwell’s truthful presentation of humanity was well worth the watch." 

"Frank Bramwell directed well using all the space that the Old Joint Stock Theatre provides. Bramwell made excellent use of the dark and eerie atmosphere with slow music as a background to Lear’s speeches throughout the production. General blocking and the ideas behind Lear’s actions were well thought out."

"Bob Young in the title role, is a powerful performer. His tormented character takes shape thanks to his profound voice, whilst his presence on stage appears carefully studied..... In Bob Young's poignant (portayal), the play is quite intense. It's ground-breaking angle will definitely appeal to the culture vultures.” 

"King Lear (Alone) is a gripping production and the formidable performance given by Bob Young makes it compelling viewing." 

"The production gives an insight into the inner thoughts and feelings of King Lear, exploring the role from the perspective of both an audience and an actor and goes into the heart of the character.

"Bob Young, as Lear, gave a strong and nuanced performance, particularly given that he had to stand in late for the original actor. Being alone contributes to the nihilism, as well as the sense that Lear may be solely responsible for his tragic downfall. King Lear (Alone) gives the audience much to think about, with rich symbolism in an engaging interpretation."