The Secret Garden review explores this thoughtful stage adaptation at The Egg theatre, where puppetry and imagination transform Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved book into a charming, if fitful, theatrical experience.
The Secret Garden Puppetry and Design
Cat Rock's beautiful puppets are the heart of this production. A plucky robin, majestic owl, and ridiculously lovable fluffy lamb skip, soar, and dart around the theatre. All puppets are frayed with original fabric exposed, celebrating craft and creation alongside nature's beauty.
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Kat Heath's striking design and Ben Osborn's evocative music complement the puppets. The Yorkshire Moors come alive using curtains of fabric and giant gloves with long spindly fingers worn by actors, swaying wildly in the wind. This unusual work makes young audiences giggle and gradually takes hold of the imagination.
Storytelling Strengths and Weaknesses
Where the show falters is in its storytelling. Tom Wentworth's script, written with a TV background, features relentlessly short and choppy scenes. Director Stephanie Kempson highlights endless scene changes with actors chatting as they move, making things more disjointed. Important beats of young Mary's story and her cousin Colin's are lost amid the bustle.
Bilqees Khalid delivers a sparky and charismatic Mary, but the script softens her character too much. Jack Hunter's bedbound cousin Colin is luminously innocent yet lacks darker edges—the anger and frightening vulnerability that make him so memorable in the book.
Supporting Characters Shine
Smaller characters prove more intriguing. Daneka Etchells' Martha is kind but never cloying, and Martin Bonger's characters bring depth. The production celebrates The Egg theatre's 20th anniversary with ambition, even if execution occasionally stumbles.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppetry & Design | ★★★★★ | Beautiful, innovative puppets and set |
| Storytelling | ★★★☆☆ | Choppy, disjointed scenes |
| Lead Performances | ★★★★☆ | Charismatic but softened characters |
| Supporting Cast | ★★★★★ | Intriguing and nuanced |
Key Takeaways from The Secret Garden Review
- Puppetry excellence with frayed, exposed fabric celebrates craft
- Design and music create an evocative world
- Storytelling lacks rhythm and focus
- Lead characters miss darker emotional beats
- Supporting cast delivers standout performances
FAQ
What is The Secret Garden stage adaptation about?
It follows orphaned Mary Lennox as she discovers a hidden garden and heals alongside her cousin Colin, using puppetry and imaginative design to bring the story to life.
Who stars in The Secret Garden at The Egg theatre?
Bilqees Khalid plays Mary, Jack Hunter plays Colin, Daneka Etchells plays Martha, and Martin Bonger portrays multiple characters.
Is The Secret Garden adaptation suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly with charming puppets and interactive elements, though younger children may find the disjointed storytelling challenging.
Overall, this Secret Garden review finds a thoughtful adaptation that charms through visual creativity but struggles with narrative flow. It remains a worthy celebration of The Egg's anniversary, inviting audiences to nurture their own imagination.
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