Sydney Reviews

Left – Nat Jobe. Photo – Heidrun Lohr

Horrible Harriet is not your usual kind of girl. She is fiery, ferocious and keeps her teachers tied to a ball and chain in her basement. Sydney Opera House and CDP Theatre Producers present the opportunity to see Horrible Harriet in all her glory live on stage.

Nat Jobe portrays Harriet with a big personality filling the character with all the right kinds of nasty and ego. He takes on the role of the mean and intimidating girl with great gusto and enthusiasm. Jobe makes the Harriet from the books seem so real. It is terrifying as her unpleasantness suddenly seems tangible. But there is also a more realistic softer side that Jobe brings to the character which lifts Horrible Harriet well and truly off the page of the well-loved books by Leigh Hobbs.

Athol is delightful character that brings a tonic for Harriet’s whirlwind of wicked. Played by Kate Smith she perfectly embodies the awkward child who is oblivious to the cruel intent behind his new friend’s actions and instead sees only the good. There is something instantly charming about this round, ginger child with a lisp who keeps flattening his fringe with his open palm. He acts as a ballast for Horrible Harriet’s loud and brash stage presence. Smith works a charm on the audience, her humour and heart work on us the same way it works on Harriet.   

The production is noisy and some smaller people initially found it a bit overwhelming but the show does settle down eventually. It takes it’s time to establish a foot hold and set up the story. However, once it finds its rhythm the show becomes highly enjoyable and in the second half it all falls into place for you settle into a fun and wicked show.


Sydney Opera House and CDP Theatre Producers present
Horrible Harriet
by Maryam Master | adapted from the books by Leigh Hobbs

Venue: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Dates: 8 – 23 April 2017
Ages: 4+
Tickets: $29 + booking fee
Bookings: 02 9250 7777