The magic of The Secret Garden comes alive at Bath's Egg theatre in a new stage adaptation that's bursting with creativity and natural charm. As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, this reimagining by Tom Wentworth is a visual feast, celebrating the art of craft and the beauty of nature.
At the heart of this production are Cat Rock's stunning animal puppets – a spirited robin, an elegant owl, and an adorable fluffy lamb that will melt your heart. These beautifully designed creatures show off their handmade edges and original fabric with pride, paying homage to the creative process itself. The stage design by Kat Heath, coupled with Ben Osborn's enchanting musical score, whisks you away to the Yorkshire Moors, where fabric curtains and spindly-fingered gloves bring the landscape to life.
While the production excels in its visual elements, there are moments when the narrative pacing falters. The script's short, choppy scenes and the director's decision to highlight scene changes with actors chatting can make it tricky to follow crucial plot points in Mary and Colin's journeys – a shame given the richness of the story.
Individual performances shine, though. Bilqees Khalid brings a sparkling energy to Mary, but the script softens her edges from the original. Jack Hunter's Colin is delightfully innocent, yet lacks the complexity that makes him so compelling in the book. The real showstoppers are in the smaller roles – particularly Martin Bonger's multifaceted portrayals of a proud doctor, heartbroken uncle, and fiercely kind Ben Weatherstaff, which add depth and intensity to the story.
This captivating adaptation may not have yet ventured beyond Bath's Egg theatre, but it's an absolute must-see for families and fans of The Secret Garden alike. So, get ready to be transported by its unique blend of visual artistry and timeless storytelling – even if it doesn't currently offer wider streaming or touring dates.