The Great Theatre Rescue

Charley's childhood has been unconventional and full of excitement. Her life revolves around The Wren theatre, where, at last, she has a chance to be on the stage, not just behind the curtains. However, when disaster strikes, Charley finds herself bundled off to St Mary-at-Cliffe School for girls which is less like a school and more like a prison. Here the pupils are kept hard at work to line the pockets of those in charge. Knowing the theatre is in peril, Charley is determined to escape, return to London and save the theatre that she loves.

The Great Theatre Rescue has it all! Vivid, atmospheric descriptions bring the places and characters in this story brilliantly to life as the plot romps along at a pleasing pace. There are dastardly baddies, courageous and determined heroines, historical figures - and a devoted canine companion - making this an adventure to appeal to everyone!

Charley is a very endearing, likeable character who is flawed and easy to identify with as she navigates the challenges thrown at her. Her developing friendship with Jewel, who she meets at school, is really handled well and offers some interesting twists to the tale. The harshness of the boarding school contrasts with the lively warmth and companionship of theatre life, giving the story real colour - and offering echoes of a Dickensian world.

Orphans, street gangs, foundling babies, unexpected relationships, betrayal, heartache, love and loyalty transport the reader to another world as Charley strives to save the theatre and overcome her crippling stage fright.

There is so much to love in this book. The energy, tension and excitement of the story would make this an excellent choice for class story time, offering much to enjoy and plenty to discuss. A brilliant read!

384 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

The Great Theatre Rescue is a stunning and exciting historical adventure story that takes place in 1930's London and evokes Dickensian themes of abandoned children and workhouse-harsh schools and villains.

The Wren Theatre is home to young, lively main character Charley and her father Toby. The crimson-curtained world inside glitters with promise to aspiring dancer/performer Charley, who longs for life on the stage, alongside The Wren's current colourful cast of artists The Tumbling Twins, Skip Sisters and Violet-the voice- Nightingale.

When Charley's stage debut ends up ruined by overwhelming stage fright and her foundling father has to travel to Ireland for an urgent visit to his adopted father and theatre benefactor, Mister Tim, it seems that the show may be over. There is a dark "badger-haired" stranger lurking in the background and Charley's estranged Aunt Constance has to be drafted in to look after her and the theatre..but it seems that there is a plan afoot to shut down The Wren and ship Charley off to a harsh, miserable boarding school future…

Charming, absorbing and richly evocative. The author transports the reader into the bright, warm lights of busy stage life, through the murky darker streets of London and into the cold , grey setting of a ghastly, grim school for girls. Charley is a bright beacon of light, hope and resilience throughout the book as she is determined to find her way back to The Wren, find her dancing feet again and save the theatre. With devoted dog Max and a new, seemingly loyal friend Jewel, Charley is a spirited heroine that the reader roots for and journeys alongside.

The Great Theatre Rescue has just the right amount of nail biting tension and danger. The emergence of the truth behind Mabbs (the sinister badger-haired man) is wonderfully and dramatically written. This Bill Sykes type character strikes fear into cast and reader alike. These heart thumping, perilous scenes were a terrifying delight to read!

An absolute joy to immerse yourself in - this feels like a timeless classic already. Fans of Emma Carroll would love this.

384 pages / Reviewed by Jenny Caddick, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+