Kitty Whittington

Kitty is off to London and she’s not coming home until she’s made something of her life. All she needs is somebody to give her a fighting chance, and when Mr Fitzwarren takes her in as a kitchen hand, she thinks she may have found it. But the fearsome cook, Mrs Tilbury, and her loathsome daughter, Sarah, have other ideas. On the way to London, she is robbed by a devious group of girls, meets a remarkable cat and as all such stories should conclude; Kitty eventually finds a happy ending.

The Theatre Factory and over 40 of its 5 to 10 year olds provide a rags to riches story full of conviction, from the stylised opening number (Better Way) with its crisp moves and singing. In fact all the company numbers were strong and well sung.

‘Kitty’ played by Olivia Dyde (on Sunday) had great stage presence and sang well, particularly ‘Walk by the River’. So too was the number ‘Mrs Tilbury’ led by ‘Kitty’ and ‘Mrs Tilbury’, also played with strong characterisation by Rosie Brookes. It is impossible to mention all the many named roles individually, because all spoke up well but included ‘Groves’ (Libby Faulkner), ‘Bernard’ (Kyesha Khan), ‘Mr Fitzwarren’ (Charlie Wilding), ‘Maud’ (Florence Sinfield).’Charlotte’ (Charlotte Mason Bedford) and ‘Sarah’ (Lucy Joels Peay).  A fine acrobatic performance too from Grace Palmer as ‘Mr Bowbells’.

The set was predominantly an open stage, with a few props and for a short moment there was a small hitch with one flat. I mention this not to make an issue of it at all, but to highlight an example of some good stagecraft. After reassurance from the Director Leanne Hollyhead, the 4 or 5 principals nearby moved down stage and carried on as if nothing had happened. One of many examples of some mature stagecraft demonstrated throughout the performance by this young group, a credit to the rest of the production team; Billy Craythorne, Lottie Gilson, Tabitha Bradley and Tina Hollyhead.

Congratulations to all involved.

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