Anyone who has a young daughter will be well aware of the appeal of Jacqueline Wilson, her books are almost essential reading for girls (and some boys) so it was no surprise to see a healthy audience for this adaptation.
In truth, she has produced better stories than this: the plot is bit of watered-down Dickens with an added flavouring of East Lynne.
However, director Sally Cookson and a talented team of actors ensure that this rather derivative melodrama is far from dull, while Katie Sykes’ imaginative design complements Hetty’s flights of fancy: a world where circus ropes become trees and fans become elephant ears.
Phoebe Thomas makes for an engaging Hetty and there’s strong support from the other five cast members, taking on a variety of roles.
An appealing aspect of Wilson’s work is that she doesn’t talk down to her young audience and this production takes that on board: there are even Brechtian elements in the accompanying songs and with Hetty’s final warning that happy endings don’t happen very often.
Despite the stodginess of the story, this is a marvellous evening. There can’t be more gratifying sights to theatre managers than a happy audience of kids - that next generation of theatregoers.
Four stars
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