For the creation of Hetty Feather, Jacqueline Wilson has stepped outside of her normal contemporary settings and has set her story in the Victorian period. Like most good tales, ideas are often formed out of curiosity, and the Foundling Hospital in London was Wilson’s inspiration for Hetty Feather and proved to be an easy transition from page to stage.
We follow the adventure of Hetty Feather from when she is first bought to the formidable Foundling Hospital; the tranquil few years that she has with her foster mother Peg, tucked away in the countryside with Saul and Gideon who are orphans from the Foundling.
Jem is the eldest and looks out for his younger charges, but he is the only one that does not have to go back to the Hospital, as he is Peg’s real son. However, the children belong to the Foundling and Peg has to take the youngsters back there before they turn five to be schooled, and where the girls are prepared for a life in service and the boys as soldiers.
But Hetty is always getting into trouble, and is often picturing herself somewhere else, somewhere with her real mother, and the opportunity to escape arises one day. Has Hetty found her real mother, and will she be able to finally leave behind the bleakness of the Foundling Hospital?
This is a busy show, with the Playhouse stage stripped right back to accommodate an impressive set by Katie Sykes. With a framework of ladders and ropes, the cast perform some extraordinary acrobatic moves and is a perfect playground for the cast. Phoebe Thomas is perfectly cast as Hetty, capturing her spirit, energy and charm beautifully.
The rest of the cast double up on parts, mostly playing the children that Hetty meets at the Hospital, with Matt Costain, Nik Howden and Mark Kane as her foster brothers. It is impressive to watch as they tear about the stage, and the physicality that is needed to perform the plethora of characters has to be commended.
There are many layers to this show. Live music alongside an impressive set and a talented cast adds up to a very entertaining night out. Fast, fun and fabulous storytelling, Hetty Feather is a perfect show to introduce children to theatre.
PR Rating: ****
Hetty Feather runs until Saturday 07 November. For tickets and information, please see: http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/jacqueline-wilsons-hetty-feather