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IF YOU haven’t already taken the family to see The Secret Garden at South Hill Park yet, there’s still time.
It’s a great way to end what has been an extraordinary summer, before the new school term starts – and a theatre treat for all ages.
“I’m sure there is magic in everything,” says Colin in the novel.
There’s certainly magic in this production, beautifully set within South Hill Park Arts Centre’s Italian garden.
In fact it’s hard to imagine a more suitable place to bring this timeless classic story to life.
The Secret Garden, by Frances Hogson Burnett, was one of my favourite childhood books.
So I was a little nervous about seeing it performed, so high were my expectations.
But – it was an absolute pleasure to watch.
It’s charming, it’s very well executed, and it’s entertaining (with a spot of delightful puppetry) – for adults as well as children.
Sylvia Ashby’s adaptation of the story is carefully faithful to the book, so much so that I frequently recognised snatches of original text.
And it’s beautifully directed, with aspects of Edwardian household life carefully woven into the story, characters dotted around the art centre’s manicured box hedge maze.
Seated in the garden’s centre, it’s easy for the audience themselves to feel part of the unfolding tale.
“It’s a story about change,” said director, Gemma Roch, “how places may change us, and how we change them in return.”
At its centre is Mary Lennox, a neglected and ignored child brought up in British India at the turn of the 20th Century.
Orphaned, she is shipped to live at the house of her uncle, Lord Craven, in Yorkshire.
Sour and unhappy at first, she gradually begins to discover the freedom of the outdoors, the beauty of nature, and the joy of making friends.
It’s a moving story of hope, growth and discovery.
The cast is a delight.
Caroline Lovey as Mrs Medlock drives the story forward expertly as the impatient Yorkshire housekeeper.
Mary, (Abigail Simpson), and Martha (Sophie Abbott) make a charming pair as the sad and angry youngster and her bright and cheerful housemaid.
Dylan Applin’s Colin is animated and suitably petulant, while Keir Buist as animal whisperer Dickon, is uncomplicated and calm.
Neil Hodgson brings the curmudgeonly gardener Ben Weatherstaff to life, and Mia Krieble-Bruno as Nurse Grey and Robin Newell (who also plays Lord Craven) as Dr Spencer both add energy and urgency to the story.
“It’s a pleasure, and a challenge, to perform outdoors,” continued Gemma.
“It gives us the opportunity to share an experience with the community that you don’t get in a traditional stage setting.
“And I especially loved bringing our additional cast member to life: our robin.”
Victoria Spearing’s set and Deasil Waltho’s sound design both deserve a mention.
The set is beautifully subtle, giving the audience just enough information but too much.
Suggesting rather than showing, it doesn’t swamp readers’ own impressions of the book.
The soundscape is magical, too, again suggestive rather than literal, with appropriate music to enhance the story.
And, in case you’re wondering, audiences can hear every word, despite the production being outside, due to careful sound operation.
The Secret Garden is an end of holiday joy families shouldn’t miss.
It can be seen at South Hill Park Arts Centre, twice each day until Monday, August 31, with performances at noon and 4pm.
Tickets cost £18.50 for adults and £14.50 for under 16s.
For tickets and information, visit: southhillpark.org.uk
