Theatre Review: The Secret Garden at Regents Park Theatre
We had the pleasure of attending the press night for The Secret Garden at the wondrous Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Regular attendees to the theatre, we agreed it may be one of the best shows we have seen in recent memory! With the park in full bloom, we made our way into the real-life Secret Garden, a private section for theatre-goers, early and watched as families shared picnics under the fairy-lit trees.
A beloved story by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden tells the tale of young Mary Lennox who, following death of her parents in India, is sent to live with her uncle (Jack Humphrey) in England.
A selfish and spoiled child, Mary (Hannah Khalique-Brown) detests her new life and makes this known to those around her. Upon discovery that there is a hidden garden on the ground of the estate, Mary spends her days searching until she uncovers the leaf covered gate that leads to her timely change of heart. Hannah’s portrayal of the short tempered Mary was so real and although she is very unlikeable at times, the actress made you grow to love and root for her.
Mary’s cousin, Colin (Theo Angel), who we discover has been locked away due to his father’s failure to accept his disability, bonds with her over their shared loss of a mother. The cousins learn to grow new life in the forgotten garden, reflecting the new life they share, one now filled with hope. Visibly sharing his cousin’s brattish attitude, Theo also had us fall in love with him and his personal transformation through the show.
Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard dig deep to grow new seeds from the timeless classic. The blending of Indian décor in the garden amid the backdrop of London’s beloved park, compliments the diverse cast who seamlessly challenge gender norms. Colin, once cold towards non-binary neighbour, Dickon, (Brydie Service) begins to fall in love despite his uncertainness. Every moment of the show was rich in emotion. The darker scenes were played out beautifully, pulling on the heart strings of the audience as we relate with the pangs of disappointment we experience as we grow.
As the garden blooms, the evening light dims at Regents Park, a natural indication of time passing. Though not without some harsh truths (Colin accepts he will not walk again but has regained the love of his father) love and hope prevails, and an emotional bond forms that so clearly transcends the characters on stage, extending to the real-life cast.
An unexpectedly poignant moment sees Mary finally losing her dark clothing she arrived to Misselthwaite Manor with, and emerge on stage in a pink dress and ribbons in her hair - a symbol that her childish innocence remains present among the loss she has faced.
As the show ends with revelations and reconciliations, the magic of the show follows you through the park as you exit with a renewed sense of childish wonder at the world around us.
Overall, our latest visit to the theatre was a special one and we recommend you book your tickets and experience the magic for yourself. Now showing until July 20th, book your tickets at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
