Hetty Feather- Q & A with Jacqueline Wilson

The multi-million selling author Jacqueline Wilson, whose work is beloved by young readers, is about to see one of her most popular characters re-born. The story of Hetty Feather is due to take to the stage at Norwich Theatre Royal this autumn and the author thinks city audiences are in for a treat.

Jacqueline Wilson

Why did you decide to write Hetty Feather?

I became involved with the Foundling Museum in London and the Director asked me if I’d like to write a story about a foundling child.  I thought this was a brilliant idea!

Her story has already been a West End hit and also been adapted for CBBC, as well as being a best-selling book. Did you ever realise how popular she would be?

I never dreamt that Hetty would be a big success!  I just knew I had to write her story.  I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed writing a novel so much.  I didn’t even think about the possibility of adaptations.  The stage version of Hetty is quite magical – and I’m loving watching the televisions series too.  This is definitely a very special Hetty year.  My fifth book about her, Little Stars, will be published this October.

Phoebe Thomas as Hetty Feather and Nikki Warwick as Mdm. Adeline. Credit: Donald Cooper

And why do you think people will enjoy this stage production?
Well it is an emotional story. You will laugh, cry and get totally involved. The stage show also has new dimensions with songs, circus tricks and aerial skills. The first time I saw the production, I was blown away.

You’re publishing three books this year, The Butterfly Club, Katy and Little Stars.  Can you tell us a little bit about them?

The Butterfly Club is about seven year old triplets.  It’s a story about starting in Junior School, learning to stand on your own two feet, and making friends with your number one enemy.  You also learn quite a lot about butterflies!

Katy is a modern reworking of the Victorian classic What Katy Did.  My Katy is a naughty tomboy, an imaginative and impulsive heroine.  She has a terrible accident, just like the Katy in the original book, but then I try to show what it’s really like to have a serious spinal injury.  There isn’t a fairy tale solution for my Katy – but I promise my book has a happy ending.

Little Stars is the fifth book about Hetty Feather.  She is now sixteen, and a Music Hall star with her younger friend Diamond.  We meet up with many characters from the previous books – and Hetty becomes romantically involved!

You’ve written 103 books so far. What do you do to stay relevant?

I still meet many children at events, and receive hundreds of letters and emails.  I hope I keep in touch.  I’m still getting lots of ideas for future books.

What projects have you got coming up?

I shall be very happily going to many performances of Hetty Feather on the stage!  I’ll also be going to the set of the television Hetty Feather to meet the cast currently filming the second series.  I’m the Chancellor of Roehampton University so I’ll be meeting new students and presiding over ceremonies.  I’m a Patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home so I’ll be working with their lovely team, even judging doggy fancy dress on special fun days.  I’ll be answering all my letters and emails … and hopefully starting a brand new novel!

Hetty Feather is on at Norwich Theatre Royal from Monday 29th September to Saturday 3rd October. Tickets start at £7.  BOX OFFICE 01603 630000.  For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Many thanks to Norwich Theatre Royal for providing the Q & A with Jacqueline Wilson and photos.