The Secret Garden

This is a wonderful piece of musical theatre rarely performed and beautifully presented by the company.  The musical is based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgeson Burnett with the script and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music Lucy Simon, providing a charming story about the healing power of love and the miracle of rebirth.  The story is centred around Mary Lennox, a sickly 10 year old girl who lived in isolation in India and following the death of her parents to cholera, is sent to Yorkshire to live with her mysterious uncle Archibald Craven when she then discovers she has a secret cousin Colin, who has been confined to bed since his birth, when his mother Lily died.  April Macauley took centre stage in providing what was an exceptional performance as Mary Lennox, joined by Matteo Campbell who was equally outstanding as the young disabled Colin Craven.  Both are stars in the making!  As the story developed, all principals portrayed their parts with brilliant characterisation through drama, music and choreography with Bobby Mitchell cast as Archibald Craven; Katherine Mitchell his deceased wife Lilly; Gregor Duthie as Dr Neville Craven - Archibald’s brother; Catherine Mackenzie, Martha the chambermaid who introduces Mary and Colin to the magical Secret Garden; Paul Kelly-Copeland, Martha’s mystical brother Dickon and Julie Cassells as the housekeeper Mrs Medlock.  All remaining principals and ensemble added to the quality of this production which was faultless from start to finish providing wonderful musical solos, quartets and ensembles throughout.  Well done!

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