Based on the Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s book, this tells the tale of Mary Lennox (Victoria Sarker), who goes to live with her remote, grieving uncle, Archibald Craven (David Putley), and brings to life both a secret garden and the family.
The show closed on Broadway after two years and has never really resurfaced, perhaps due to its complicated storyline and eclectic mix of musical styles.
The company revived the show with their clever and stylised set (James Robinson), superb costumes, interesting lighting (David Edwards) and complex sound (Steven Moulster). The principals were strong, with 13-year-old Victoria giving us a stunning performance as the petulant Mary, supported by the homely Martha (Dawn Hall) and earthy Dickon (Liam Hunter). Archibald Craven, nearly demented with grief, compounded by his jealous brother, Dr Neville Craven (Chris Wortley) gave great performances and sang a wonderful duet. Great theatre with good attention to detail by directors Christobel Thomas, Chris Stanway and Chris Talbot.
Rebecca Case
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