Pollyanna is a classic of children’s literature, a story of a girl who is forever the optimist and focuses on the positives in life. This month, Titchfield Festival Theatre is streaming Pollyanna, Eleanor H. Porter’s masterpiece novel. When will there ever be a more appropriate time than a global pandemic for a story of optimism and hope in the face of adversity?

When Pollyanna’s father dies, she is placed in the care of her pessimistic and domineering Aunt Polly. But despite the seemingly grim circumstances, Pollyanna faithfully plays the “glad game” that her beloved father taught her, finding the good in everything and innocently teaching it to all around her. Can she finally persuade Aunt Polly that she can be happy and open her heart again?

Simon Frost interviewed the play’s director Sarah Miatt, who has also adapted the play for a UK audience whilst keeping the show faithful to the original novel.

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Simon: Is this your first time directing a TFT play?

Sarah: This is the first TFT play I have directed, however I have written and directed several pantomimes as well as directing a play previously. 

Simon: Why Pollyanna? What is it about the book/play that you like; was it a favourite of yours when you were younger?

Sarah: When I was younger, the film with Hayley Mills was a huge favourite of mine. I used to watch it a lot. I read the book when I was about 10 years old. I love the message and it always inspires a sense of optimism. 

Simon: The play is a classic piece of children's literature; will it appeal to all ages - and if so, why?

Sarah: I think it absolutely appeals to all ages. It’s a real family friendly show with characters you can identify with. 

Simon: Tell me about the principal character, Pollyanna and the actresses playing her.

Sarah: Pollyanna is a young girl who is just full of optimism. She’s a bit cheeky, she’s bubbly and fun and always looks on the bright side even when it’s tough to do so. The role is a huge one to take on in a play. Pollyanna is only missing from two scenes in the entire play. She has easily half of all the lines to say in the whole play. Because this was originally supposed to be shown live, we have two Pollyanna’s, Emily Felton and Jessie Tennant. They are both 11 years old and they successfully auditioned out of 14 other girls for the role. They are both the epitome of Pollyanna. Cheerful, kind, smart, very funny and sociable and both are incredibly talented. We’re very lucky to have them both. 

Simon: Is the TFT faithful to the original book, or are there new interpretations?

Sarah: I adapted the play myself from the original book and other than changing the location to the UK (to avoid the need for accents) it is faithful to the original story. The only differences are all the characters I had to cut. The original draft had 18 characters in it. To make it Covid secure, I had to cut down the people on stage, so cut it down to a cast of eight. 

Simon: We could all do with finding good in things in days like these! Is there a message for today; and if so, what is it?

Sarah: I think that the message I take from it is one of optimism, that hope is a very powerful tool for good. That was the reason I chose this story to adapt when I thought about doing it last year. When will there ever be a more appropriate time than a global pandemic for a story of optimism and hope in the face of adversity?

Simon: What has the experience been like filming the production, as opposed to rehearsing for a traditional play?

Sarah: It’s incredibly different and strange. It’s not the way we planned it but actually it gives us a freedom we don’t get onstage. We have a whole shoot outside coming up which involves a real horse and cart. I have to say the whole cast have taken it in their stride and we’ve had professionalism throughout. We are also filming everything twice for two different streamed productions as we have two different Pollyanna’s so there is a mammoth editing task ahead for the amazing TFT Tech team. 

Simon: Any final comments as to why people should watch the play?

Sarah: It’s a tale of hope in a time of adversity and if that isn’t enough, we have a really talented cast and two incredibly talented young leading ladies. 

Simon: Thank you, Sarah.

Pollyanna will be streamed from 6.30pm every day between Monday 19th – Sunday 25th April 2021. The link to the streaming video is here.

You can also find an interview with the director, Sarah Miatt on our YouTube page.