Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s Play Meets Newcastle

Dame Jacqueline Wilson has a reputation for writing about challenging issues; divorce, mental health and adoption are just some of many themes that she has written about. The beauty of her work, too, is that these topics are all from the perspectives of children.

The 69-year-old writer and the city of Newcastle have always had a very close relationship, as she is the patron of the Seven Stories centre – a company dedicated to inspiring children to read and write. Her best known work, ‘The Story of Tracy Beaker’, was also filmed in Newcastle, as well as the sequel, ‘Dumping Ground’.

As the stage adaptation of her book, ‘Hetty Feather’, hit the Theatre Royal last night, Wilson gave a talk before the show began, which made the performance extra special for both the cast and the audience.

The play follows the life of Hetty Feather, an abandoned baby born in the Victorian Era, as she has adventures in a hospital for ‘Foundlings’, a foster home, and most excitingly, the circus.

Hopefully, the success of the play at the Theatre Royal will further tighten relationships between the celebrated author and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.