By Frances Hodgson Burnett
Adapted For The Stage By Neil Duffield
Directed by... Elayne Buckler
Designer... Rebecca Goldstein
This adaptation of the much -loved classic novel tells an inspiring story of transformation.
As the change from winter to spring brings the garden to life, persuading it to release its secrets, so the characters of Mary and Colin and finally Mr Craven, begin to bloom.
Mary learns to talk to birds, to skip and laugh, to experience the joy of watching things grow. Colin discovers the feel of a new-born lamb, the touch of a bird's feather, and the strength of his own under-used limbs.
Mr Craven learns to release his locked-in grief and open himself once more to the warmth of human contact.
The gardeners of the story – Martha, Dickon and old Ben – provide the key which unlocks the tightly-shut door inside Mary and motivates her, in turn, to bring Colin and his father out of their darkness and into the light.
Performance Dates and times are:-
Saturday 17th October at 7:30pm
Monday 19th October at 6:00pm
Tuesday 20th October at 7:30pm
Wednesday 21st October at 7:30pm
Thursday 22nd October at 6:00pm
Friday 23rd October at 7:30pm
Saturday 24th October at 7:30pm
Sunday 25th October Matinée at 2:00pm
Cast
Mary |
Grace Palmer |
Mrs Medlock |
Sylvia Barnes |
Dickon |
John Gordon |
Colin |
Matthew Bonniface |
Ben Weatherstaff |
Don Donner |
Martha |
Celia Mann |
Mr. Craven |
Brian Sullivan |
Ensemble
Rosanna Hewson |
Emma Bierwirth |
Stephen Inglewell |
Will Taffs |
Jonny Smith |
Emma Cusdin |
Anna Sturman |
Production Team
Director |
Elayne Buckler |
Designer |
Rebecca Goldstein |
Production Manager |
Rozena Hallum |
Stage Manager |
Brenda Hayes |
Costumes |
Mandy Adams |
Lights |
Andy Simmons |
Secrets to success
set, cast, director
The Secret Garden, directed by Elaine Buckler, Repertory Theatre, 7.30pm. October 17 to 25. Reviewed by Alan Scott.
It was almost a full house for the opening of Repertory's new play, A Secret Garden. It is a large theatre so all credit to the company for still being able to pack them in after years of presenting plays in Kilmore St.
Once the audience was in, Repertory delivered a theatrical experience in fine style.
Its presentation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children's story enthralled the audience. Even this seen-it-all-before reviewer found it delightful.
The play, of course, depends on, somehow, bringing into view a secret garden and designer Rebecca Jane Novick Goldstein's concept for this is first rate. Given the limited finances, it was a small miracle it was accomplished with such flair. More importantly, it enabled the audience to believe in the truth of the play.
The design, though, was only the half of it. What also made the production real was the ambience of rural Yorkshire which permeated the play. Director Elayne Buckler helped her cast reproduce both Yorkshire accents and speech rhythms so successfully that you never once doubt where you are.
On top of that, the three young actors on which the play depends were excellent. Grace Palmer as Mary, John Gordon as Dickon and Matthew Bonniface as Colin were very accomplished.
The adult members of the cast also did fine work. There was not a weak link among them.
This is a very good family show, where adults and children alike can enjoy themselves.
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