There is a sense in which ‘children’s theatre’ is the most important kind there is. Waiting for the show to start and gazing at the circus big-top setting one can relax knowing that in Sally Cookson the responsibility could not be in better hands. Katie Sykes’ inviting set presages the usual Cookson 3-D extravaganza. There is no disappointment. This Dickensian tale of the spirited, resourceful, but flawed foundling girl, alphabetty Hetty (the previous child to be named was Gideon) is life affirming and despite the Victorian setting, thoroughly modern. With barely a trace of sentimentality and none of the melodrama loved by the original audience of Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield and the other child-centred novels, Cookson kicks this essential adaption by Emma Reeves into the air where it turns summersaults, throws off a few sparks before landing, grinning from ear to ear, on solid ground.
Farmed out to the bucolic paradise of deepest Kent and the tender and importantly, understanding and loving care of Peg (Sarah Goddard), a Ma Larkin tumble of warm humanity, she learns the power of love. However love is replaced by rules when the curse of six strikes and she is required to return to the foundling hospital on the fateful birthday. The ultimate indignity strikes when her riot of red hair is cut off – a trick Cookson pulls off with typical brilliance.
‘Breathes there a child with soul so dead
Who never to themself hath said,
“I want to join the circus”?
(Apologies to Scott)
Hetty Feather is no Smike or Oliver, she is a self-willed, even wilful, fiery headed individual. In the list of ‘British’ attributes politicians are fond of referring to (usually vaguely), ‘respect for autonomy’ is never mentioned, yet that is the sine qua non of freedom, an aspiration which burns in Hetty’s heart. She escapes from the crushing moral and rule-bound regime of the orphanage when the memory of a visit to the circus prompts her to search for the exotic aerial performer, Madame Adeline (Nikki Warwick) and the promise of a life on the open road. Cue for Cookson to give a lesson in what theatre can do with, amongst other things, a line of dapper prancing horses and an elephant to delight the audience in Hetty’s new home.
Phobe Thomas is perfect as ‘the girl who will’ and never leaves you in any doubt but that she can overcome. Her aerial skills go above and beyond for an actress and her ability to play a child with nothing but conviction makes hers a performance of note. The same goes for fellow foundlings, Saul and Gideon (Nik Howden and Mark Kane) who together with Jem (Matt Costain) round out her ‘family’.
Music by Benji Bower adds to the emotional and creative mix as does the lighting of Aideen Malone. Bower is served well by musicians, Seamus H Carey and Luke Potter who give the best mobile phone warning you are likely to hear. I sat a few seats along from Jacqueline Wilson who was happy to sign books and pose for selfies after the show and will do from time to time.
If there are young ones in your family this will be one of the best chances you will have of getting them hooked on live theatre. Go See! ★★★★★ Graham Wyles at the Bristol Old Vic 18th July 2015
