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The Positively Last Performance
The performances at The Royal Theatre are extraordinary. You'd have to see them to believe them! But that's the problem. Nobody can see them. Except Gracie, that is. Gracie's new to this seaside town, but she's making friends quickly. There's Mikey the Mod who wears a parka and drives a scooter, Miss Melluish whose skirt is missing, and Frank Stuart, the builder of elephants. But the old theatre is under threat. Will Gracie and the residents be able to save their home, or is the curtain set to fall on their very last performance?
- GenresHistoricalFamily
251 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Geraldine McCaughrean
348 books326 followersGeraldine McCaughrean is a British children's novelist. She has written more than 170 books, including Peter Pan in Scarlet (2004), the official sequel to Peter Pan commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the holder of Peter Pan's copyright. Her work has been translated into 44 languages worldwide. She has received the Carnegie Medal twice and the Michael L. Printz Award among others.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 30, 2018
There are some authors who have this fierce richness about them when they work. They tell story; words that run together and layer something wonderfully thick and dense about you and you don't quite know what's happening until you finish it and realise that that was good. Geraldine McCaughrean is one of those authors and The Positively Last Performance is a classy, classic sort of tale.
The Royal Theatre at Seashaw now only plays to ghosts; the humans are long gone, and the theatre is not what it was. One day, a stubborn little girl and her parents arrive at the Royal; Gracie and her Mum and Dad are there to bring it back to its former life. Whilst Gracie makes friends with the ghosts, her parents try to restore the theatre...
Inspired by the Margate, and the theatre there, this is a book that both renders that sense of place superbly but also catches the peculiar joy and sadness of the British seaside. There's love here, for both what was and what is, but also a recognition that these resorts face complex lives and hold complex, wonderful people. There's a lot in this book and I don't think it quite lets you see this until you're well into it. You have to work past the slightly brittle opening, the defence of rhythm and chapter, until it lets you see the truth of it.
People, really, people. McCaughrean is interested in people, the shape of them and the stories of them, and what happens when they mingle and touch on lives that are not their own. As Gracie gets to know the ghosts and their stories, she learns about the black and white minstrels, mods, artists and librarians who lived and worked in Seashaw. One thing to note is that the n- word does make an appearance in the book (particularly when relating to issues of blackface) but is challenged, rebuked and analysed appropriately. It did stick out for me though, so it's worthwhile mentioning and taking note of.
I was concerned about this getting repetitive (the rhythm of ghost - backstory - ghost - backstory) but then there's a sudden, wrenching, movement in the middle of the book that turns all of that on its head. It's beautifully, horribly, done and the sign of a writer who is simply just very good at what she does. I liked this a lot. I devoured it.
The Royal Theatre at Seashaw now only plays to ghosts; the humans are long gone, and the theatre is not what it was. One day, a stubborn little girl and her parents arrive at the Royal; Gracie and her Mum and Dad are there to bring it back to its former life. Whilst Gracie makes friends with the ghosts, her parents try to restore the theatre...
Inspired by the Margate, and the theatre there, this is a book that both renders that sense of place superbly but also catches the peculiar joy and sadness of the British seaside. There's love here, for both what was and what is, but also a recognition that these resorts face complex lives and hold complex, wonderful people. There's a lot in this book and I don't think it quite lets you see this until you're well into it. You have to work past the slightly brittle opening, the defence of rhythm and chapter, until it lets you see the truth of it.
People, really, people. McCaughrean is interested in people, the shape of them and the stories of them, and what happens when they mingle and touch on lives that are not their own. As Gracie gets to know the ghosts and their stories, she learns about the black and white minstrels, mods, artists and librarians who lived and worked in Seashaw. One thing to note is that the n- word does make an appearance in the book (particularly when relating to issues of blackface) but is challenged, rebuked and analysed appropriately. It did stick out for me though, so it's worthwhile mentioning and taking note of.
I was concerned about this getting repetitive (the rhythm of ghost - backstory - ghost - backstory) but then there's a sudden, wrenching, movement in the middle of the book that turns all of that on its head. It's beautifully, horribly, done and the sign of a writer who is simply just very good at what she does. I liked this a lot. I devoured it.
May 26, 2017
The first time I started reading this book, I couldn't get into it. I don't like books that are centered around children as main characters. So I gave up after a few pages. After finishing my last book, I was looking for something new to read, so I decided to give this one a second chance - and read it it one day.
The book basically tells the history of the not-quite-imaginary town of Seashaw, which in reality is the town of Margate in Kent. Probably mostly known for the beautiful paintings William Turner created there. To quote Turner: "The skies over Thanet are the loveliest in all Europe”.
I thought over the course of a few visits and plenty of reading about the town and Thanet as a whole, I knew quite a bit about the history of these places, but the book introduced me to new and fascinating tidbits of knowledge since it doesn't only focus on the widely-known facts of Margate/Thanet history. Another effect was that once I got into it, reading it was like reliving my visits - The Shell Grotto, the Turner Contemporary, the bandstand, the penny arcades, donkeys. the clock tower, "The Mechanical Elephant" (a pub where I had a drink once and briefly wondered about the name! Who knew!)- Dreamland, the weird little shops in Arlington Square, the Hall-by-the-sea.... I became completely absorbed. And let's not forget the ever-present Thanet-staple of problem solving through arson! ;-)
However the book doesn't just tell the story of one town, but the story of many of them.
I'm a little embarrassed to say that I did not see the plot twist coming. I'll just use "being too enthralled/absorbed by the fact that I felt like I was there!" as my excuse.
Recommended to everyone who's ever fallen in love with the faded charm of certain English seaside towns. Thanet lovers, residents and visitors, everyone who wants to know more about the history of the town.
The book basically tells the history of the not-quite-imaginary town of Seashaw, which in reality is the town of Margate in Kent. Probably mostly known for the beautiful paintings William Turner created there. To quote Turner: "The skies over Thanet are the loveliest in all Europe”.
I thought over the course of a few visits and plenty of reading about the town and Thanet as a whole, I knew quite a bit about the history of these places, but the book introduced me to new and fascinating tidbits of knowledge since it doesn't only focus on the widely-known facts of Margate/Thanet history. Another effect was that once I got into it, reading it was like reliving my visits - The Shell Grotto, the Turner Contemporary, the bandstand, the penny arcades, donkeys. the clock tower, "The Mechanical Elephant" (a pub where I had a drink once and briefly wondered about the name! Who knew!)- Dreamland, the weird little shops in Arlington Square, the Hall-by-the-sea.... I became completely absorbed. And let's not forget the ever-present Thanet-staple of problem solving through arson! ;-)
However the book doesn't just tell the story of one town, but the story of many of them.
I'm a little embarrassed to say that I did not see the plot twist coming. I'll just use "being too enthralled/absorbed by the fact that I felt like I was there!" as my excuse.
Recommended to everyone who's ever fallen in love with the faded charm of certain English seaside towns. Thanet lovers, residents and visitors, everyone who wants to know more about the history of the town.
May 13, 2017
This book is honestly a masterpiece. I'm not the biggest fan of ghosts, but these ones? The farthest you can get from creepy; they are the most adorable little squishy things ever and yes, they are sulky most of the time but deep down, though broken by their pasts, they have the warmest hearts. I don't think there was a single character that I disliked and choosing a favourite is way too hard, but I did adore Frank Stuart, oh and Maurice and Mikey. All the characters were a delight and each had a different reason to be loved.
The plot, though a little scattered, jumping from past to present, was so enchanting. McCaughrean’s writing is so beautiful and I loved every second. The story itself is so unique and just magical in every way possible.
Also, I was not expecting that plot twist.
Personally, I don’t think there’s any argument as to why you shouldn’t read this book. No seriously, go read it now. I will smack your head with it until you read it.
The plot, though a little scattered, jumping from past to present, was so enchanting. McCaughrean’s writing is so beautiful and I loved every second. The story itself is so unique and just magical in every way possible.
Also, I was not expecting that plot twist.
Personally, I don’t think there’s any argument as to why you shouldn’t read this book. No seriously, go read it now. I will smack your head with it until you read it.
March 31, 2014
What a fantastic little book! Of course, I am a bit partial to the subject matter, as it's set in Margate, but it is a charming story nonetheless. Recommended.
November 25, 2018
When I started reading this book, it was just because I was bored and I was sure it wasn't going to be a book I was going to love. With the first few chapters, I wasn't really hating it, but I wasn't hooked in either. Then, when suddenly Gracie found out she was dead, it explained everything and I felt so gob-smacked that I gasped out loud. I truly loved it, and I'm hoping to read more of Geraldine McCaughrean's books. I already read a few, but the thrill of this book makes me want to read them even more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2020
I really loved this book with its interwoven fiction and fact and with a great twist near the end.
I particularly liked it as it based in my hometown and I was able to recognise many of the places and back stories mentioned, I would definitely recommend it to both children and adults alike.
I particularly liked it as it based in my hometown and I was able to recognise many of the places and back stories mentioned, I would definitely recommend it to both children and adults alike.
February 22, 2019
Beautiful, fun, nostalgic, perfect.
July 11, 2013
What an astounding book this is! Geraldine McCaughrean has always been one of my favourite children's authors; her books are always enjoyable and always surprising, and I reckon this is one of her very best. Ostensibly the story of a derelict theatre in a traditional English seaside resort (a thinly disguised Margate), haunted by an eclectic group of ghosts, this is actually so much more. In fact, there are so many levels to this book, that it would be tedious to list them all. Central among them is an exploration of how we are all shaped by the past and the importance of locality. All communities have stories to tell, and those stories are always worth listening to - they are what shape the places we live in. Like all the best writers, McCaughrean has a great ear for dialogue and, married with a real comedic sense, this is a thoroughly entertaining as well as a thought provoking book. C
October 29, 2013
Geraldine McCaughrean never seems to write a book which is similar to another one. How does she do it! This is set in the fictionalised seaside town of Seashaw (Margate in real life). Gracie and her parents have bought a rundown theatre, The Royal. Gracie is able to see the ghosts who live there – former theatricals and other locals. There is a plot to save the theatre from ruin, and we learn the tragic and often touching histories of most of the residents along the way. Initially I thought this story was going to be too whimsical for me, but I stayed with it and I’m glad I did. There is more depth to the story than the surface veneer would suggest. The book is for a young audience, but doesn’t shy away from serious issues. Very satisfying.
November 26, 2013
There is nothing like a good old ghost story. What I loved about this novel was the fact that the author tells you quite a bit about the ghosts. This makes the book a whole lot more intriguing and interesting. When I give a book a four star rating I highly recommend it. I only give five stars to the best books. This book features Gracie a curious young girl and her parents who come to the beautiful seaside town Seashaw to open a grand old theatre The Royal. When they arrive at The Royal Gracie discovers a residence of ghost that only she can see. You'd better read the book to find out what happens next!
March 1, 2014
I think this would be described as magical in a traditional sense of the word. I took a while getting into it. I can imagine some teen readers might give up and find it a bit old fashioned. It was skilful though, as you would expect from Geraldine McCaughrean. It was in many ways a historical novel and some of the references even I didn't quite understand, e.g. the bathing chairs, so I am not sure how accessible youngsters would find some of it. I didn't love it, but I can see its value.
March 8, 2013
Loved it. Magical, whimsical - a great read for younger readers
August 7, 2013
Wonderful writer but for me this whimsical story of ghosts in a theatre just didn't hold my interest.
April 22, 2014
Five stars because I loved the heroine and the ghosts and the way the story was slowly and tautly pulled together. And because it even made me cry a little.
July 10, 2014
This was quite a good read, I was enjoying it and then it threw a massive twist into the mix and made my mind explode! Love it when you genuinely do not see something coming!
October 25, 2019
This book was all about this littlegirl who manages to see thesee gohsts who she tries to lure out into daylight and to live in the world.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews