Discover what critics are making of this new stage adaptation of the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett…
Broadway World: **** “One of the most surprising elements of the show is how it emphasises not only the power of the magic of the secret garden but its limitations, particularly relating to Colin and his inability to walk. Everything is done with sensitivity and care, making the garden inclusive for all, regardless of disabilities. There is also a surprising yet sweet queer storyline added to the work, a heartfelt moment of young love that feels as though it fits right into the story without being shoehorned in any way.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “This is a lovely, enriching show for families or adults alike that demonstrates that – with some mindin’ – stories can keep growing, just like gardens.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “This adaptation brings us more of Mary’s Indian story, giving us a different perspective by intertwining political and cultural elements to remind us how Britain acted in India. It works well, grounding the piece and giving it additional depth and maturity. It does make it slightly unclear as to the target audience, as the story is quite dark, with messages that are brutally honest and sad; it’s also a surprisingly long second act, albeit beautifully lit by nature and Jai Morjaria.”
Time Out: **** “This is a non-hierarchical production and each character is distinctly realized by excellent actors who pass to each other happily and skilfully, never dropping a beat. Hannah Khalique-Brown is outstanding as Mary Lennox – imperious and fragile and very funny. Brydie Service is a joy as Dickon, local Yorkshire lad and animal whisperer.”
The Spy in the Stalls: *** “The star of the night is Hannah Khalique-Frown as Mary Lennox, playing this complex child with complete believability, rarely seen when an adult plays a 10-year-old. And by the end of The Secret Garden, you believe that her Mary cries real tears, as any loved normal child would.”
Lou Reviews: *** 1/2 “The Secret Garden adds an extra layer to Hodgson-Burnett’s work, and perhaps goes a little too much off-piste towards the end, but it shows a respect for the original book.”
Theatre Cat: “But the adjustment it rarely stands in the way of the story’s essential charm, and Hannah Khalique-Brown is a wonderful Mary: skinnily stroppy, a right little Memsahib when she arrives and believes the Yorkshire maid Martha can be treated like a subservient Ayah. The latter is Molly Hewitt-Richards, a real treat, especially when she skips. And the heroine’s slow spiritual thawing on the moor, and the hidden garden, are neatly handled: her stroppy scolding of Colin is magnificent. Theo Angel is a fine Colin too , sickly and lordly and convincing in his discovery of life and the green growth of spring – the Yorkshire word “wick” for that liveliness if nicely used.”
The Telegraph: **** “Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre proves an ideal setting for a take on the 1911 novel that preserves its magic while making it feel up to date.”
The Reviews Hub: *** “Robinson and Himali Howard’s script zips along in a combination of dialogue and narration that shifts breathlessly from character to character. The writing style makes for momentum, as does Himali Howard’s brisk direction, and effectively camouflages some fairly long-winded exposition. Even so, the show drags a little in an over-long second half. Polly Jerold’s casting – gender blind in the case of Dickon and Colin (who share a cheeky kiss at one point) – adds to the play’s feel of conscious inclusivity. “I knew him first is not a good argument for dominion,” one of the lads tells a jealous Mary.”
West End Best Friend: **** “The show does great things in proving what makes a production striking. How ‘striking’ does not necessarily mean a spectacle and you can simply be struck by a feeling or by the sheer amount of feelings that a cast is able to give you in a single moment and the warmth and melting that happens in you when that lingers. That is the best way to encompass this production. By the smiles on the faces of the cast as they took their bows, by the people wiping tears from their eyes as they rose from their seats, by the way each and every laugh came in a chorus.”
London Theatre.co.uk: *** “There is much here that is innovative and “wick” (including an Indian freedom fighter who delivers a few home truths), though a bit more pruning and directorial flair would showcase Robinson and Howard’s sensitive approach to its best advantage. Nevertheless, a few tears shed at the end had nothing to do with my hay fever.”
Theatre Weekly: *** “While this version of The Secret Garden did drastically veer away from the original messaging of the book, to question the beliefs that you and other people have about yourself, it did settle on another important message. Knowing your own limitations and accepting and working with them is just as vital as being able to defy others’ expectations, and that was beautifully shown by the cast. All in all it was an enjoyable performance, just don’t expect any greenery.”
London Theatre 1: ***** “The cast, creatives and crew have put together a totally watchable show. The cast are incredibly impressive. Twelve strong they take it in turn to keep up a tremendous cacophony of voices. And what voices. This show revels in accents, idioms and slang. From cut-glass upper-class RP to right broad Yorkshire the spoken word is alive in all its richness.”
The Stage: ***** “Gorgeously modern adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic.”
The Secret Garden continues to play at Regent’s park Open Air Theatre until the 20th July. To book tickets visit: See Tickets, London Box Office or London Theatre Direct.