The Young Visiters at the Tabard

A truly unique theatrical experience based on a book written by nine-year-old Daisy Ashford in 1890, The Young Visiters is a humorous take on Victorian etiquette and courting culture. Narrated by the young author, the play follows the three main characters’ entanglements. Well-connected yet common Mr Salteena is an eager social climber who is willing to do almost anything to move up the social ladder. His friend, Lord Bernard Clark, is providing him with the means to do so, however, as an exchange, asks for an introduction to a handsome female. Ethel Monticue, a young girl of seventeen, stands between the two. Both fall madly in love with her, but Ethel is more interested in the glitz and glam of the aristocracy.

Even though the Tabard Theatre is fairly small, the Rough Haired Pointer theatre company puts the space to full use. The set design is simple but used to great effect; characters and sceneries are transformed within seconds, using flowers, curious props and lots of glitter. Every movement is brilliantly coordinated and harmonises flawlessly with the action, resulting in a highly amusing and whimsical adventure. The acting is simply marvellous – every character is executed with a unique touch and fits wonderfully into the Victorian setting. 

Overall, The Young Visiters is a deeply entertaining journey into the mind of a young girl in the Victorian Age. The play practically flies by and leaves the viewer yearning for more of the wit, the etiquette and the glamour of Victorian times.

Luisa Kapp
Photo: Andreas Grieger

The Young Visiters is on at the Tabard Theatre from 1^st March 2016 until 26^th March 2016, for further information or to book visit here.