Hetty Feather – reviews of popular children's tale on stage
Stage version of Jacqueline Wilson's story of a Victorian girl looking for her mother is a joy, say critics
What you need to know
A new stage adaptation of popular children's book Hetty Feather for the Rose Theatre, Kingston is touring the UK. Jacqueline Wilson's best-selling story has been adapted for the stage by scriptwriter Emma Reeves (The Story of Tracy Beaker).
It tells the story of plucky Hetty, a girl raised in the Foundling Hospital who escapes into the streets of Victorian London in search of her real mother and a family of her own. Touring until 21 June.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What the critics like
Dominic Maxwell in The Times, says he "was gripped, wowed, amused and reduced to a warm puddle of tears by this spectacular stage adaptation". Maxwell adds: "This joy for all ages rivals /Matilda the Musical/ as a family show worthy of the West End."
It's strange seeing a play of a story that you know so intimately but this production "doesn't disappoint", says Emily Drabble in The Guardian. The essence of the book is there, and something else besides – "if the company had notched the emotion up more than they did, there would have been some sort of mass hysterical reaction".
"You couldn't ask for a better Hetty" as we gallop through her adventures at a cracking pace, says Jane Martin on What's On Stage. This is a warm-hearted, collaborative production bringing Wilson's tale to the stage with verve and imagination.
What they don't like
This stylised, acrobatic and lively stage version of Wilson's story is "too long", says Susan Elkin on The Stage. Some of the physical theatre sequences with music are repetitive and self-indulgent, and could usefully be trimmed to take 20 minutes or so off the overall length.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Is the next cold war a drone-swarm race between US and China?
Today's Big Question Both global superpowers are building up their capacity for surging robotic warfare. What happens next is anyone's guess.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Crossword: April 17, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sudoku hard: April 17, 2024
The Week's daily hard sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published