Reading Theatrical is like a long, warm hug from a best friend. It was absolutely everything I needed and I was so content curled up with this beauty (I mean, LOOK at that cover!!).

Theatrical is Hope’s story. Hope is a theatre lover and her passion runs through her veins, that’s clear to see from the very beginning. She helps out behind the scenes at her local theatre but has just been given an internship as deputy stage manager on a top secret but very exciting new production – it even has a famous lead role! Hope can’t quite believe her luck but somehow manages to keep it all a big secret from those around her.

What I loved most about this book is how I felt instantly transported to the theatre. Maggie Harcourt’s writing is gorgeous: I could feel the props as Hope touched them, I could sense the buzz and excitement, the first night nerves. That special atmosphere of being back stage at a show, let alone being part of the audience viewing the show. For anyone who has ever helped out in theatre or been in a show, this book will be your everything! My experience is limited to leading the props team when we do our annual school musical but even I could relate to Hope’s excitement. I can’t imagine how some of my friends have felt reading this!

I immediately loved Hope from the very first few pages. I knew straight away she would be a character I adored and my love for her just grew and grew as I eagerly flicked through the pages. I loved her vulnerability and lack of confidence at the beginning just as much as I loved the person she grows into as the production gets nearer to opening night. She has some absolutely cracking moments that had me chuckling aloud but also some moments where I wanted to wrap her in cotton wool and protect her forever.

As far as the other characters go there were plenty to love! George is definitely up there in the second best character spot for me. I loved how sassy he is and thought his personality really balanced well with Hope’s. It goes without saying that Luke is just an absolute babe. He is so adorable and I loved peeling back his layers. Tommy is a whole other kettle of fish and I spent a good portion of the book disliking him but he did redeem himself slightly towards the end.

Hope’s story of finding herself is possibly my absolute favourite thing about this book though. Hope’s mother is a famous costume designer who now works on designing dresses for the big celebrities. Hope’s mum is so famous in the theatre world that should Hope wish to name drop she could literally get any internship or theatre job there is, just because of her name. Hope doesn’t want that though. She doesn’t want the pressure of people knowing who her mother is. She adores theatre and wants to dedicate her life to theatre but she wants to do it on her own merit. I cried my eyes out at a certain part in this book where Hope and her mum have an emotional conversation. It got me right in the feels.

Theatrical is a gorgeous novel of friendship, romance and family all in the beautiful setting of the theatre. A story that will capture the hearts of many.