Jacqueline Wilson's HETTY FEATHER to Open 5 April at Rose Theatre Kingston Ahead of UK Tour

The world premiere production of Jacqueline Wilson's HETTY FEATHER opens at Rose Theatre Kingston on Saturday 5 April before heading out on a UK and international tour visiting Birmingham, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Sheffield and Dubai. FIERY

HETTY FEATHER is adapted for the stage by award-winning script writer Emma Reeves (CBBC's The Story of Tracy Beaker) and Olivier Award nominated director Sally Cookson (Jane Eyre, Cinderella, We're Going on a Bear Hunt)

Phoebe Thomas will star as Hetty Feather. Thomas starred in BBC 1's HOLBY CITY as Staff Nurse Maria Kendall for four years.

From best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson, the tale of fiery and feisty Hetty Feather will be brought thrillingly to life on stage by award-winning script writer Emma Reeves and the Olivier Award nominated director Sally Cookson. Hetty Feather will open at Rose Theatre Kingston on Saturday 5 April, prior to a UK and international tour.

Roll up and join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital. Tremble as she faces Matron Stinking Bottomly. Thrill as she discovers the squirrel house and Tanglefields Travelling Circus. Gasp as she endures a night locked in the attic. Quake as she braves the scary streets of Victorian London and cheer as she overcomes all in her search to find her real mother and a true family of her own.

With live music, circus skills and a huge heart, Hetty Feather is a terrific adventure story set in 1876 London. It is the first historical novel by Wilson that makes the trials of nineteenth century life accessible to children through her compelling heroine. Hetty Feather was recently voted fans' favourite Jacqueline Wilson character.

Jacqueline Wilson (novelist) is one of Britain's most popular authors, selling over 35 million books in the UK alone. Her most successful and enduring creation is the Tracy Beaker series. In 2002 she was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and in 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson. In the same year she became the Foundling Museum's first Coram Foundling Fellow. From 2005 to 2007 she was the Children's Laureate. Her 100th book will be published in 2014. In April 2014, the V&A Museum of Childhood open Daydreams and Diaries, the Story of Jacqueline Wilson, an exhibition exploring her life and work.

Emma Reeves (playwright) has worked with Wilson on a number of projects, most notably writing the television adaptations for the Tracy Beaker series. Her other stage adaptations include Carrie's War (West End & UK tour), Little Women and Cool Hand Luke in the West End. She is currently working on her own show Eve, due to air on CBBC.

Sally Cookson (Director) is an associate artist of Bristol Old Vic where she is currently directing Jane Eyre. Previous productions have included The Boy Who Cried Wolf!, Peter Pan, Treasure Island and Pains of Youth. Other theatre credits include We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Bob the Man on the Moon and The Ugly Duckling. As an actress she has performed at the National Theatre, Almeida and the Young Vic.

Opening at Rose Theatre Kingston on Saturday 5 April this brand new production will run until Saturday 19 April, making it the perfect Easter treat. The tour then visits a further five UK venues. For more information on Hetty Feather and to book tickets please visit venue websites listed below.

SPRING TOUR DATES

KINGSTON
Rose Theatre
Sat 5 - Sat 19 April
08444 821 556
www.rosetheatrekingston.org/rose-productions/hetty-feather

BIRMINGHAM
Town Hall
Tue 22 - Sun 27 April
0121 345 0600
www.thsh.co.uk/event/hetty-feather/

CHELTENHAM
Everyman Theatre
Tue 29 April - Sun 4 May
01242 572573
www.everymantheatre.org.uk/m-shows/hetty-feather/

DUBAI - UAE
DUCTAC
Fri 16 - Sat 24 May
+971 (0)4 341 4777
ON SALE SOON

EDINBURGH
King's Theatre
Tue 27 - Sat 31 May
0131 529 6000
www.edtheatres.com/hetty

CAMBRIDGE
Arts Theatre
Tue 3 - Sun 8 June
01223 503333
www.cambridgeartstheatre.purchase-tickets-online.co.uk/public/show.asp

SHEFFIELD
Crucible Theatre
Tue 17 - Sat 21 June
0114 249 6000
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/event/hetty-feather-14/

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