Last night we were transported from North Yorkshire 2026 to…North Yorkshire 1906, with York Theatre Royal’s revival of The Secret Garden The Musical, based on the 1912 book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The story revolves around orphaned Mary Lennox, who finds herself uprooted from India to the wuthering moors of Yorkshire. Taken in by her uncle – still grieving his wife’s passing from ten years prior – she befriends maid Martha and her brother Dickon, and learns of a secret walled garden on the estate.
Previously belonging to her aunt, the key is missing and the garden overgrown, but Mary’s curiosity gets the better of her. Discovering she has a bedbound and sickly cousin, Mary encourages him to leave the confines of his room and explore the outside world and the mysteries of the hidden garden.
Most of the plot here is told through song, and at times it feels almost like a opera – albeit with more of a folk song vibe. There is little movement to go with the music – no real dance or choreography to speak of – and the music very much underpins the narrative throughout.
The large cast of actor-musicians exude talent; playing everything from guitar, double bass, piano, flute and even a grand harp. Sound is rich and levels are balanced; we hear all the lyrics clearly except maybe during the chaotic storm songs where vocals get a little lost.
All the adult actors are strong, but special mention to Martha (Catrin Mai Edwards) and Dickon (Elliot Mackenzie) who brought a real joy to the characters, and a liveliness to the stage. Mackenzie brings a youthful energy to a role that is meant to be a 12-year-old boy in the novel.
The two actual children, Mary (Estella Evans) and Colin (Dexter Pulling) are exceptional. Both are strong, confident performers with excellent singing voices. The book suggests that both characters are brattish and unpleasant, but soften as the plot unfolds. This doesn’t quite come across in the play, simply because there isn’t a lot of time for such character development.
Staging is generally basic but effective. The tale is beautifully told, but a lot is left to the imagination rather than shown visually. This reviewer was reminded at times of The Woman in Black, with suitcases and boxes becoming elements like beds and stairs. Large flowing drapes are flown in and out, representing the rolling moors and billowing storm clouds.
Is it suitable for families? We don’t feel it would especially engage young children, there isn’t a lot of action and the pace is a little slow overall. At 1 hour 25 minutes too, it’s not lengthy although there is no interval – so it’s perhaps a long time for children to sit. Our 9 and 12 year olds said they enjoyed it but admitted it dragged at points for them, and that some songs were repetitive.
The Secret Garden is well-staged, and expertly cast and directed. It’s not a fast-paced feelgood musical like some, but a clever retelling of a classic story. The themes of loss soon make way for a tale of redemption and hope, and don’t we all need a little more of that in a weary world?
The Secret Garden The Musical runs until Saturday 4th April. Tickets can be booked at https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-secret-garden-the-musical/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
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