The Secret Garden

"I'm in the garden......"

The haunting 1911 coming of age novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett is given the musical treatment in this co-production with Washington D.C's The Shakespeare Theatre Company. The novel was first adapted for the stage in 1991 by Marsha Norman, where it ran on Broadway for over 700 performance, winning the female lead, Daisy Eagan a Tony Award for her performance - this made her the youngest recipient of the award at the time.

What is it about?

Mary Lennox has lived a privileged, yet lonely existence in British 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.

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, whereapon she takes it upon herself to care for, unknown by anybody. She meets Dicken, 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 Dicken, 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?

With a new book and lyrics by the Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon, be transported to the wilds of Yorkshire, and rediscover love, nature and family with your loved ones.