Curtain Up [Theatre Shoes] (by Noel Streatfeild)

(Amazon UK link)

When I first discovered Noel Streatfeild’s books as a child of about seven or eight, I had no idea that she had written so many. Over the years I have acquired the majority of her books, and very much enjoy re-reading them. Most are about talented children, many taking place amongst theatre or ballet folk; this was part of Streatfeild’s own background, so her stories tend to have realistic backgrounds even if the children are sometimes exaggerated, and the adults often caricatured.

‘Curtain Up’(re-published in recent years as ‘Theatre Shoes’ or even ‘Theater Shoes’ in the United States!) was written partly in response to readers who wanted to know what happened to the Fossil sisters from the author's better-known novel ‘Ballet Shoes’. They are only minor characters in this book, and it’s not necessary to have read Ballet Shoes first, but I liked it from the perspective of learning more about the Fossil girls as young adults.

The story, however, features three very different siblings: Sorrel, Mark and Holly. Their mother died some years ago, and their father is abroad, fighting in the second world war. The children have been living with their grandfather, a somewhat reclusive vicar; they weren’t close to him, so were not broken-hearted when he died. They were looked after and generally parented by the comfortable, warm and rather strait-laced Hannah.

Shortly after they lose their grandfather, they learn that they come from a theatrical family. Their mother’s mother has been an actress, their uncle is in films, and one of their aunts is married to a Shakespearean actor. They have two cousins, too. Up to this point they knew nothing about this side of the family, partly because Hannah disapproves strongly of theatres and the stage, and they have never been to the cinema.

So they are transplanted to Grandmother’s house, and - to their horror - taken away from the boarding schools where they have been quite happy. Instead, they attend Madame Fidolia’s school of theatre and ballet, where the Fossil sisters trained. The school now teaches academic lessons as well as dance and drama.

Much of the story is about their gradual integration into the school, their fight for Mark to be moved back to his old school, as he wants to be a sailor, not an actor, and also struggling with surprising poverty, as their grandmother is very bad at money management. It’s told from the point of view of the children, and I liked it very much. Sorrel is a typical responsible oldest sibling, but she also discovers that she has some unexpected talents. Mark objects strongly to dancing and fancy costumes, and his imagination often runs riot. Holly is friendly, and amusing, and makes friends easily.

The talented ballet dancer in the book, however, is their cousin Miriam, who is Holly’s age (eight) and new to the school at the same time. Miriam is rather unlike most of the brilliant Streatfeild ballet dancers in other books; she’s observant, kind and generally friendly. However their other cousin (confusingly called Miranda - I often forgot which one was being referred to!) who is older, and very talented at drama, is also quite conceited.

I first read this book in 1985, and have re-read it a couple of times over the years; the last time I read 'Curtain Up' was in 2010. I had forgotten most of what happened, and it made a very enjoyable read over the last few days. It was quite hard to put down at times. As well as being a good story, for children or adults, this is interesting from a social history point of view - the children take for granted the coupons, and other restrictions of the war, and the air raids, and the sight of bombed-out houses.

Recommended to anyone over the age of about seven or eight who enjoys somewhat old-fashioned stories about talented children. More likely to appeal to girls than boys, but Mark is quite a strong character too. Also recommended to adults like me who enjoy these nostalgic books of the kind that were widely available in our childhood.

Review copyright 2018 Sue's Book Reviews