The Secret Garden, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Review
The Secret Garden at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Photo by Alex Brenner.Written by Mia for Theatre and Tonic.
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.
Sometimes, all you need to cheer yourself up is a bit of sunshine and a classic story. Helpfully, the Open Air Theatre offered both, providing the perfect backdrop for Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard’s new version of The Secret Garden.
It’s a lovely production, full of hope and mystery, yet providing the audience with harsh realities amidst the magic. Miracles can happen, but probably they won’t.
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.
Yet despite the undertones, The Secret Garden is still a tale of love, hope and determination as three children learn what it is to work hard and see the fruits of their labours. It’s very much an ensemble piece, with all actors narrating the story, becoming props and moving scenery.
Dickon’s animals are extremely cleverly contrived, as the actors create them casually with items of clothing; it’s inspired and very effective. The magical realism of the Robin (Sharan Phull) is a stunning piece of theatrical storytelling that is mesmerising to watch and Phull’s performance is perhaps my favourite this year.
Acting is, for the most part, excellent with standout performances from Brydie Service (Dickon), Molly Hewitt-Richards (Martha) and Archana Ramaswamy (Padma). Hannah Khalique-Brown embodies the Mary Lennox we all know and love; watching her journey from spoilt, neglected child to a caring and hopeful gardener is heartwarming. Richard Clews (Ben Weatherstaff) is also excellent, providing a subtle, warm humour.
Despite the summer evening backdrop, the transformation of the garden falls a little flat and by the end of the show just looks messy. Ending with a song is also an interesting choice as it feels unnecessary, diminishing the power of the final scene, which explores themes of identity, self-acceptance and found family.
It’s a fresh take on a classic story and there are a lot of things to love about this production, but although the magic is there, it does at times lose its spark which stops it from fulfilling a 5-star status.
At Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 20 July.
★ ★ ★ ★
