THE adventurous Egg theatre at Bath Theatre Royal is premiering a new adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic The Secret Garden, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 26th July. The new disability-led production is celebrating the Egg’s 21st birthday, with a series of initiatives to support emotional wellbeing.
The venue, which opened in 2005, will become a living, breathing Secret Garden – a place to sit, dream, reflect and discover. The show will invite children and young people to explore creativity, care and climate through art. This reimagining, which captures the magic of the book through a modern-day lens, is adapted by Tom Wentworth and directed by Stephanie Kempson, with music and sound by Ben Osborn, winner of the Cameron Mackintosh Award.
Mary arrives at Mistlethwaite Manor to find a world sealed shut: the house is silent, the people distant, the gardens locked and forgotten. Mary is no ordinary girl. Forthright and fiercely curious, she’s determined to uncover the secrets hidden behind every door…
Writer Tom Wentworth says: “I always dreamed of adapting one of my favourite children’s books The Secret Garden for the stage – and now it’s happening! This new production is a story of friendship, acceptance and secrets, all told through the prism of a garden – and the magic that occurs when we accept others and ourselves.
“It is as relevant today as when Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote the original novel, and I hope this adaptation delights children and adults alike, especially those who are bedbound or hospitalised like I was as a child. Stories played a vital role in my recovery and the person I’ve become today, and if my adaptation ignites one child’s imagination so they can create stories for themselves, I will have done a good job!”
The cast brings together returning favourites and exciting new performers. Martin Bonger will play Mr Craven, returning to The Egg stage following the success of Snow Mice! last Christmas. Alice Barclay, well known to local audiences for her regular Shakespearean appearances at Tobacco Factory Theatres, joins the company as Mrs Medlock, alongside Daneka Etchells as Martha, Daniel Forbes as Dickon, Jack Hunter as Colin and Bilqees Khalid as Mary, all making their Egg Theatre debut.
All performances of The Secret Garden will be relaxed, and there are two audio described performances on Thursday 23rd July at 7pm and Saturday 25th at 3pm. The Secret Gardens Programme, to support emotional wellbeing and sensory engagement through creative play, includes performances for local schools, creative arts and sensory projects.
Photograph by Helena Miscioscia