The Steam Whistle Theatre Company

LoveReading4Kids Says

Viv French is a wonderful storyteller and her new tale of a family theatre company struggling to put on a show in the provinces is a delight from start to finish. Times are hard for the Pringles, but Pa Pringle, Mr Micawber style, is certain ‘something will come up’ and decides to take the family via train to Uncaster to dazzle its residents with his Lear.

Meanwhile, in Uncaster the recently widowed Lady Poskett has money troubles too, a mountain of debts to pay off. When indefatigable scullery maid Edie suggests they take in lodgers the two storylines combine. Both sets of protagonists face more challenges in the shape of unscrupulous fellow theatricals Little Baby Bubbles and his manager mother, and Olio Sleevery crooked landlord, but when the curtains come down the good have ended happily.

It’s a bravura performance – irresistible characters, a plot full of drama and a wonderful sense of community and companionship. Encore, encore!

Reviewed by Andrea Reece
Andrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece

About The Steam Whistle Theatre Company

The wonderful adventures of a family theatre-troupe, touring Victorian England by train - a high-octane, high-drama romp, with a colourful company of characters. Dark and deadly deeds, piratical plots, lost heiresses and poor little orphans - Vivian French conjures up the very spirit of Victorian theatre in a fabulous new novel for middle-grade readers.

Read the full description

Find This Book In