On Wednesday night, we had a family outing to the theatre. As a little girl, I loved “The Secret Garden” and when I saw it was coming to York, I was keen to go and take Henry (6 years) in particular. Given it was the summer holidays we decided, we would make it a family outing.
We most certainly weren’t disappointed, it was a fantastic performance by all with great music and captivating puppetry – a big hit with Eliza (3.5 years)! They most certainly brought the story alive and we were transfixed throughout. The set was beautiful and very clever with The Secret Garden certainly building on my childhood imagination (having read the book numerous times). The children looked engrossed. Henry most definitely was in The Secret Garden with them. His favourite bit was when Colin went into The Secret Garden for the first time
The acting was second to none and Ella Dunlop as Mary Lennox led the way. Her singing was particularly powerful, with the “magic” scene being both Eliza’s and my favourites. Humour was used to “lighten” the slightly darker scenes especially in the Doctor scene when Mrs Medlock suddenly realises there is a lamb in the room, which was a perfect way to distract Eliza’s attention from the bit she was unsure about.
Both children are lucky enough to have been to the theatre on numerous occasions so knew the drill and were happy sitting on their booster seats etc. However, knowing the story and the fact that there were a few sad bits, I was slightly apprehensive about taking Eliza. There were parts of the first half were a little dark but she was unaffected and was very chirpy at the interval. Henry questioned the odd bit (what’s happening during the earthquake) but a quick explanation and he was back enjoying it. Henry was transfixed by the whole of the second half, with Eliza loving the music. One slight wobble with the doctors scene but nothing a cuddle with Mummy (and pointing to the lamb) didn’t fix. The recommended age is 6 and I believe that is a perfect representation but saying that, Eliza thoroughly enjoyed it and said she would like to go again. The music and the puppetry were her favourite bits. Henry announced as it finished “That’s been the best thing of the summer holidays” so he definitely enjoyed it!
The Secret Garden crafts have started in our house and I think this will keep them entertained for some time, showing what a big hit it was!
This was a special and memorable performance of a childhood favourite which is definitely worth going to, whether you go on your own or take the children. We attended the press night and it was lovely to see that the cast got a well deserved standing ovation at the end.
Tickets £16 – £25. Family ticket £50 (max 2 adults)
Box office 01904 623568
yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
Don’t forget to drop into the Secret Studio Garden
Throughout the run of The Secret Garden the Studio theatre is being turned into a garden where children and families can make, play, listen and enjoy a garden being created by them. Over the week families can enjoy different activities that explore and link to the production.
GARDEN ACTIVITIES AND TIMES Wed 1 – Sat 25 Aug
Mini Garden Making & Stories, £5
Wed and Thurs 11.30am – 12.30pm
Bugs & Flowers Craft Making, £1
Wed & Thurs 12.30pm – 2.15pm; Fri 3.30pm-4.45pm; Sat 12.30pm – 2.15pm
Puppetry Making & Workshop, £5
Fri 2.30-3.30pm; Sat 11.30am-12.30pm
All children must be accompanied by an adult
