Hetty Feather at The Lowry Review
Hetty Feather
The Lowry, Manchester
9 December 2015 to 10 January 2016
Reviewed by Jo Flaherty
Hetty Feather is one of renowned author, Jacqueline Wilson’s, recurring heroines. Less well known than Wilson’s Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather is the protagonist in her own series of novels, which are aimed at the 9-11 age group. At 8 years old, my son was on the younger end of this target audience, but enjoyed the show nonetheless. Brought to the small screen earlier this year, Hetty Feather has now found its way onto stage – scripted by Emma Reeves and directed by Sally Cookson.
As a baby, Hetty is left, reluctantly, at the Foundling Hospital by her mother who is unable to care for her; the story follows Hetty’s journey of self-discovery. Convinced that Hetty Feather could not possibly be her real name – Hetty can barely say it and almost spits it out. Surely her real mother would have picked a name more befitting a flame-haired, blue-eyed beauty? Hetty bumps from pillar to post and a chance meeting when the circus comes to town sends her imagination running wild. After her return to the Foundling Hospital, Hetty dreams of her escape, with the thought of finding her birth mother foremost in her mind.
Not having read the book, I had no preconception of the characters and how they might be realised on stage, but it’s hard to imagine a better Hetty than Phoebe Thomas. She takes you on a flight of fancy, via circus skills and storytelling until the story’s denouement. The characters are engaging and believable, and Wilson’s rich narrative translates very well onto the stage. Never condescending to its so-called ‘tweenage’ audience, this is a great, moving piece of family theatre, set in the smaller of the Lowry’s venues – the Quays Theatre. Hetty Feather is touring through to April 2016, and runs until 10th January 2016 at The Lowry.
One last note – don’t leave it until the last minute to take your seats; the duo of Seamas H Carey and Luke Potter are brilliantly entertaining, taking centre stage for just a short time before retiring to their corner for the rest of the show.
We enjoyed this show very much.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £18 to £28 (includes £2 booking fee).
Hetty Feather is at The Lowry in Manchester until 10 January 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
