The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden at Ambassadors Theatre

Why see The Secret Garden?

be transported to the wilds of yorkshire

Frances Hodgson Burnett's haunting coming of age tale comes to London in this marvellous Tony-winning musical that brings the world of 10-year-old Mary Lennox to blooming life with song and dance and beautiful colour. Brought up in colonial India, Mary is sent to live with her misanthropic uncle in Yorkshire after being orphaned by a deadly cholera outbreak. In his isolated moors mansion, she discovers a bittersweet secret that sets her on a path to self-discovery, changing the lives around her in the process.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Mary Lennox has lived a privileged, yet lonely existence in India with her neglectful parents. More concerned with their social engagements, they leave her in the care of an elderly Indian ayah, who bows to the whims of the spoiled youngster. However, her life is turned upside down when her mansion is overrun with cholera, killing everybody but her. She is sent to her next-of-kin, a mysterious uncle in Yorkshire, who has become a recluse following the death of his wife Lily.

Struggling to accustom to the no-nonsense attitude of the servants and the cold, wet weather, she explores the estate's huge grounds, and comes across an old brass key - this unlocks a hidden and overgrown walled garden, whereupon she takes it upon herself to care for, unknown by anybody. She meets Dickon, a friendly young gardener who helps her, however something is haunting the halls of the mansion.

That something is her shut-in cousin Colin, who has all but been abandoned by his absent father for being sickly, and reminding him of his late wife. Together with Dickon, she befriends Colin, helps him regain his strength and overcome his bitterness. As the garden blooms, so do Mary and Colin in their happiness- but can they convince his father and the austere housekeeper that the garden can bring them together as a family?


Key Information

Run Time

75 minutes

Dates

Finished 31 Aug 2016

Reviews

Customer reviews

Gigi

stunning performances and clever production

A magical play with wonderful performances by a strong cast. Using puppets for the animals was genius and fun, and the robin was clever and witty. The audience is required to use its imagination and enjoy this as an immersive experience, instead of sitting passively; this was joyous and creative. Hannah Khalique-Brown as the brattish Mary lennox was brilliant, including her yorkshire accented exchanges with the maid; and Colin, the equally spolit boy was excellent. Supporting cast were fabulous, funny and engagaing. the vibe , lighting and stage production was superb. You should come here for a special and magical night. Don't expect a flashy central London indoor theatre production, use your immagination, engage with the characters and let yourself laugh and cry. Beautiful. Well done. Fun for all the family and all ages. ... Read more

Steve

A beautiful moment

The setting of the play was fabulous. The set was well used and the manner in which the garden developed over the course of the play was super clever. The lighting supported the acting beautifully. There were strong performances from all of the cast and the standing ovasion was well deserved. A thoroughly beautiful production. Cleverly written and directed. We are going back again. ... Read more

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