REVIEW: Hetty Feather at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre

Excited children sat in awe as they watched a favourite storybook and Jacqueline Wilson’s characters come to life.

And my teenage daughter, worried before it began that she might just be “too old” for this sort of thing, was entranced from the get go.

The set was simple, but like everything in this production, used to superb effect. Scaffolding, ropes and a trapeze ring signalled that circus skills were going to very much in evidence from the talented cast.

Phoebe Thomas completely embodied the character of fiery red haired Hetty Feather and the cast, called upon to play several parts each, proved that they are as versatile as they are physically strong (often performing while hanging from ropes!) The story moves at a pace through Hetty’s young life, left as an orphan at the Foundling Hospital overseen by Matron Bottomly, played with brilliant fierceness by Matt Costain. Matt gives the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a run for his money.

Fostered into a kind family, we meet her foster mother Peg, played by Sarah Goddard with the right amount of warmth, and her new siblings Jem (Matt Costain again), Saul (Nik Howden) and Gideon (a stand-out performance from Mark Kane).

The story returns again to the Foundling Hospital where Hetty is forced to return and the story takes a darker turn.

The production does not shy away from dealing with the big issues and the realities of life in Victorian England.

Hetty feather is just the right mix of good old-fashioned music hall entertainment (helped by the superb musicians along the way) and gritty drama.

But ultimately it is the story of a girl who believes she can be anything she wants to be, no matter what stands in her way.

Now that is a story worth watching.

• Hetty Feather is on at the Swindon Wyvern until Sunday, September 27.

• Book your tickets now at swindontheatres.co.uk or by calling the Wyvern Ticket Office on 01793 524481.