The Secret Garden

‘The Secret Garden’ is an English classic, considered one of the greatest books ever written for children. Penned by Frances Hodgson Burnett (who also wrote ‘Little Lord Fauntleroy’), it was published in America, initially in serial form in 1910, and then as a book in 1911.

The 1991 Broadway production was nominated for seven Tony Awards, with eleven years old Daisy Eagan as Mary, becoming the youngest girl ever to win a Tony. When the UK copyright ran out in 1994, it was made into a film in starring Maggie Smith as Mrs Medlock; she was later nominated for a BAAFTA. There has even been a Japanese Anime version.

Burnett was a Christian Scientist and believed in healing by 'positive thinking'. This unusual attitude of her day is shown in this story.

The Stirling Players, at the Stirling Theatre, Morris Place, Innaloo, are presenting Neil Duffield’s wonderful adaptation. It plays at weekends until the 9^th March. Curtain up for this one and three-quarter hour play is at 8.00 pm

By necessity, the cast comprises mainly of the younger members of this community theatre’s youth group (SPY). Some of the children alternate nights. The names in bold are the cast that I saw. The opening sequence has the story being told (Celeste Underhill, Brendan Ellis) over the dramatic and tragic happenings.

        Mary Lennox (Stephanie Shaw, Teale Harrison) was born in India, but when her mother (Alexandra D’Ulisse) and father (Gino Cataldo) died in a cholera epidemic, she was forced to leave her wealthy home with its many servants. Aged 10, she was sent around the world to England, by the family’s minister (Bob Charteris) and his wife (Kassandra Smith), to stay at Misselthwaite Manor on the bleak and dull Yorkshire Moors, with her hermit-like uncle, Archibald Craven (Gino Cataldo). 

       High and mighty Mary hates the place, and the little brat lets everyone know this, especially the poor housekeeper, Mrs Medlock (Janet Weston). Disliked, Mary spends most of her time alone. The caring maid, Martha (Samantha Romeo, Kassandra Smith) tells Mary how her aunt, Mrs. Craven, had spent all of her time in her private rose garden. However, when Mrs. Craven died in an accident, the uncle had the gardener, Ben (Bob Charteris), lock up the walled garden and bury the key. 

       Martha and spoiled, dour Mary eventually become close friends. Mary learns that Martha has a younger brother, Dickon (Welland Joyce, Zac Bowles) who understands many aspects of gardening and nature in general. Dickon also seems to have a magical control over the small animals and so Mary is keen to learn his skills. The robin (puppeteer Clare Smale) in particular seems to be a guiding light to the children.

       By chance, Mary finds the key to the private grounds. 

       On occasions, Mary hears a weeping noise around the house. Mary traces the noise to a hidden bedroom, where the wailing boy turns out to be her ailing cousin, Colin (Leo Rimmer, Seamus Harrison) who has inherited the family disability of scoliosis and is bedbound.

       Will Mary also treat Colin with disdain? What effect will the garden have on this spoilt brat?

The earlier film version of ‘The Secret Garden’ was in black and white and then when the garden gate was unlocked the film suddenly changed to full Technicolor, the audience gasped. Here, the designers, Christine Ellis and Fran Gordon, take us from the dry, dead garden growth to a beautiful, vibrant garden in two or three seasons. The final garden was stunning. The director and her assistant, Elyse Simich, have also added a bit of magic to the garden scenes with the attractive animal glove puppets operated by the cast. The puppetry (advisor Brendan Ellis) was clever and the animals really appeared alive.

The set (Christine Ellis) was well thought out, with the wings and front apron being used. The garden wall split and moved flawlessly (operated by Melissa Skeffington, Nicki Bowles) to reveal the garden (built by Ian Wilson, Gino Cataldo). The teching was designed by Ian Wilson, with lighting capably operated by first-timer, Lisa Billingham and the audio by Paul Anderson.

The three youngsters, Stephanie (what a talent), Leo and Welland who appeared on the night I saw the show, were all outstanding. This was Leo’s first show, and he, along with Stephanie displayed their emotions superbly. At times the petulant children’s pace and vocal projection were leaving the adults behind. The accents were a bit mixed as the script was written in Yorkshire dialect, may I suggest that you don’t try too hard.

I saw the final dress rehearsal of this delightful play, and the cast were very well tuned in. They had good ‘fear-free’ delivery, wonderful rapport and their body movement was natural. Congratulations. This fun play is suitable for children aged 6 or 7up.