Enter Eddie Shakespeare by Barbara Henderson

Stratford,1592.

The sound of the Players reaches Eddie’s town and he can’t wait to see their latest play. One day he wants to do the same, to tread the boards and bring stories to life in front of audiences up and down the country. Just like his brother, William.

First he has to convince his parents that their dream of him learning a glovemaker’s trade isn’t the path he wants to take.

After that, it’s a trip to London, to The Rose Theatre in particular, to learn the trade from his brother and the incredible Players that entertain hundreds on the banks of the Thames.


Writing plays, sumptuous costumes, laughter and merriment are all Eddie thinks of.

When his parents refuse to allow him to seek his fortune the same way his brother has, he runs away. A rash decision perhaps, especially when he finds his brother in London but not in the throws of fame, as he thought he would be, but in danger! Eddie may have managed to weave his way into the theatre owner’s good graces but his chance to prove his place as a player is overshadowed by a deeply unsettling feeling that all is not what it seems behind the scenes at the theatre.

Secrets, lies and accusations of theft means there is a race against time to clear their names before it’s too late.

Can he outsmart the villains both on and off the stage? Will his brother become the legendary playwright he knows he can be? Will Eddie get his moment of fame?

Author Barbara Henderson has a fantastic ability of grabbing the reader from the first page and transporting them hundreds of years back in time in her brilliant historical children’s stories.

‘Enter Eddie Shakespeare’ is a heart-warming story of family loyalty, pursuing your dreams and meeting great friends along the way.

A dollop of peril amid the backdrop of the famous Rose Theatre ensures the reader is rooting for Eddie, his friends and his brother William too.


The research made by Barbara and her attention to detail are incredible. With a fantastic cover by Deborah Spence, this is a brilliant addition to any school or library.

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