The Steam Whistle Theatre Company

The wonderful adventures of a family theatre-troupe, touring Victorian England by train – a high-octane, high-drama romp, with a colourful company of characters.

Dark and deadly deeds, piratical plots, lost heiresses and poor little orphans – Vivian French conjures up the very spirit of Victorian theatre in a fabulous new novel for middle-grade readers. To avoid financial ruin, the Pringle family’s theatre-troupe has left London behind, travelling to the north of England by train.

With new audiences to play to, and less competition, they hope to make enough money to pay off their debts back home. But will their plans be foiled by the odious Olio Sleevery? It’s time for young actors Rosie and Charlie to save the day – and, with the help of their new friend Edie Boiler, ensure the thunderous success of the company's first performance. A wonderful gallery of eccentric characters and an exuberant plot with a twist at the end ... this is storytelling at its theatrical best!

Book Features:

• This comic stand-alone is intended for a slightly older readership than Viv's wonderful books with Marta Kissi – packed with thrilling characters and delightful period detail, The Steam Whistle Theatre Company is perfect for fans of the Sinclair's Mysteries.

• While contracted as a stand-alone, there's definite potential for companion titles!

• In 2016 Viv was awarded the MBE for literature, literacy, illustration and the arts. She makes frequent visits to schools and festivals, and is active on social media.

About the Author

Vivian French is a highly acclaimed children's author who has written more than 250 books during the course of her career, including Caterpillar, Butterfly, The Tales from the Five Kingdoms series and Yucky Worms. Her recent work includes The Most Wonderful Thing in the World, The Adventures of Alfie Onion and The Cherry Pie Princess.

Vivian teaches on the illustration course at Edinburgh School of Art, and helped to found the mentoring scheme Picture Hooks for aspiring young illustrators. In 2016 Viv was awarded the MBE for literature, literacy, illustration and the arts. She lives in Edinburgh.