Review by Paul Towers, 22/3/24
The Secret Garden by Marsha Norman & Lucy Simon from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Directed by Keiran Whelan-Newby
Produced by Leicester Drama Society
At The Little Theatre until Saturday 6th April
“A musical version of the much loved book and film”
Based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett The Secret Garden is set in the early 20th century in the days of the Indian Raj. A cholera outbreak orphans Mary Lennox and she is sent to England and her only living relative, Archibald Craven, someone she has never met.
As Mary Lennox Olivia King leads the company with aplomb. The other child character, Colin is brightly played by Edward Lander alternating with Harry Woodward. Director and Musical Stager Keiran Whelan-Newby takes the role of Archibald Craven the self-pitying widower who seems to revel in the disability his hump gives him. Also resident in the cold, stone manor is Dr Neville Craven (Russell Webster) the manipulative brother who has groomed young Colin into thinking he is on death’s door and is wheelchair bound. The final resident is the housekeeper dour Mrs Medlock (Karen Gordon). It has to be said that none of these characters are in the least bit likeable. The children are entitled brats who I just wanted to slap. It isn’t until the last few minutes that they are redeemed when the Secret Garden works its magic.
Much needed lightness is provided by Dickon (Simon Butler) who befriends Mary and Ben Weatherstaff (Martin Bell) the old retainer who has been secretly tending the garden.
The back story of both Mary and Archibald are represented by a variety of ghosts and memories. A live band hidden away gives an immediacy to the singing.
The set by Gem Greaves is a very impressive collection of arches and a walkway while lighting by Alex Crooks & Andy Crooks creates a credible French backdrop.
The Secret Garden is on at The Little Theatre until Saturday 6th April with a short break over the Easter weekend.
Pics by Dave Morris
No comments:
Post a Comment