Hetty Feather Live at the Theatre Royal Brighton Review
Hetty Feather Live
Theatre Royal, Brighton
28 July to 2 August 2015
Reviewed by Meresa Bergin
I was invited along to the opening night of Hetty Feather at the Theatre Royal Brighton and I have to admit I had never heard of the book or TV show, the only Jacqueline Wilson book I had heard of was Tracy Beaker so I was interested to see if what it was about and more so as an adult, if I would enjoy it. I decided to take my husband with me, he was a little worried he wouldn’t be able to relate and may find it a little dull but we couldn’t have been more wrong.
Hetty Feather tells the story of a young girl who is given up at birth to a children’s home, it is set Victorian London. It is a tale of joy and heartbreak in equal measures as we follow the ups and downs of her life. Hetty is sent to live with a foster mother, where she grows up with Gideon, the child she was sent there with, and her new brothers Saul and Jem. Gideon was so lovable and one of my favourite roles in the play. We follow Hetty as she searches for her real mother and learns lots of things about herself on the way.
I thought the stage set up was amazing, the young members in the audition seems equally impressed and I felt the two band members who started the show off were outstanding with the crowd really getting the children into the mood for the main act.
The hall was packed with people very eager to see the show, I adore seeing young children engrossed in theatre and away from the television and video games, there is something so magically about getting dressed up and being whisked away, something I think can only really happen in such places.
All the actors were outstanding, I could hear how amazed the crowd were by the gymnastics carried out on the stage and I have to admit my heart was in my mouth at times. Phoebe Thomas was very believable as Hetty, it must be difficult to act as someone so young but she really pulled it off and give an incredible portray of a young girl searching for her way in the world. I also felt the other actors, whom portrayed many roles in the play were equally good. I had worried the children would not believe the actors as children given they clearly did not look like one but they were soon under the spell of the play.
Hetty Feather is a magical tale which gives children an insight into the lives of children in Victorian times, I think this is the best way to educate children, in a way which is fun and they can relate. The things Hetty faced, whilst not exactly like children nowadays would, are similar such as the ache for friendships and a place to belong. I felt the story was something children could follow easily, it stuck to a storyline and had lots of surprises, if you have never seen the TV show or read the book you could still follow it, for the fans who had, they seemed equally engaged and excited to see it being acted out in front of their eyes.
This is a show you must see, it was booked out on its opening night and I can see why. It will entertain all ages, even my husband was impressed.
On our way home and much to my delight I could hear children chatting about the play, how much they had enjoyed it one children quoting “It is so much better than the TV show!” and what better praise is there than that?!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £18.40 to £27.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Hetty Feather Live is at the Theatre Royal in Brighton until 2 August 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.
Theatre Royal. New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD | 0844 871 7650
