Hetty Feather
Malvern Theatres – November 18-22
Reviewed by Lee Farley
I took along two members of Perfect Circle Youth Theatre to help me review this excellent production. Martha and Maddie thought the show was amazing – funny, but sad at times too.
Before the show, two members of the company entertain the young, excited audience with songs and some audience participation. Seamus H Carey and Luke Potter are an engaging pair who set just the right tone for the knockabout, circus-style environment. They also provide a fantastic live soundtrack throughout, which enhances the atmosphere of spontaneity.
Jacqueline Wilson’s story is familiar – Victorian London, Foundling Hospital, children without homes in an uncaring environment. From these morsels of narrative, the ‘Hetty Feather’ company create a theatrical treat. A terrific ensemble provides excitement and emotional engagement via trapeze, music and songs, terrific use of ladders and planks and infectious, heartfelt performances.
Martha particularly liked a moment of dance and trapeze acting towards the end of the show, where we see a flashback of two characters falling in love. Maddie liked how the actors early on in the story provided the thoughts (and loud wailing) of their characters when they were babies. All three of us intrepid reviewers found the most effective moments of the show were the most emotional ones – the moments of separation and realisation that shape Hetty’s character. I certainly heard a few sniffles in the audience, although Martha and Maddie assured me that they remained dry-eyed and professional throughout.
The performers take on a variety of roles and cover an impressive range of British accents. There’s tremendous physical work, particularly trapeze skills. Phoebe Thomas’ Hetty must be exhausted at the end of each show – she absolutely gives heart and soul to the adventurous, kind hearted main character, and connected very strongly with Martha and Maddie. They also particularly liked Mark Kane who featured in two of their favourite comedy moments – an unexpected deep voice at the girls choir, and his character Gideon’s repeated dream that he “wants to be a servant girl”. There’s strong character work from all the cast.
The show is full of moments like these that we all enjoyed – a slow motion caning, scary stories told in the dorm rooms at night, circus horses, a lottery. Maddie pointed out that although the story is set in Victorian England, it feels very relevant and realistic. Martha also thought it was a show that all ages would enjoy.
So, would we recommend that you get a ticket? Definitely!
Tickets for the show, which runs until Sunday, cost from £15.12 and are available by visiting www.malvern-theatres.co.uk or calling 01684 892277.
