Review: The Secret Garden, Regent’s Park Open Air TheatreReview: The Secret Garden, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre An evening at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre can be a delightful experience, especially when the weather cooperates. In the case of “The Secret Garden,” the setting becomes a magical backdrop for this heartwarming and thoughtful retelling. Adaptation and Themes This adaptation by Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard tackles the themes of colonialism with sensitivity and care. By portraying Mary Lennox’s mothers as Native American women, they introduce a nuanced exploration of mixed heritage and identity. Visuals and Design The production is a visual feast, with stunning costumes by Khadija Raza and an imaginative set design by Leslie Travers. The vibrant colors and intricate details evoke both the lushness of India and the somber English countryside. Lighting designer Jai Morjaria’s work creates an enchanting atmosphere that complements the natural setting. Ensemble Cast and Puppetry The ensemble cast is exceptional, with each actor effortlessly shifting between roles as narrators and guides. Puppetry plays a vital role, bringing to life animals and objects in a playful and imaginative way. Imagination and Audience Engagement The production invites the audience’s imagination to soar, relying on minimal props and encouraging children to believe in the power of their own imaginations. The casting perfectly captures the innocence and curiosity of the young characters. Conclusion “The Secret Garden” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a captivating and thought-provoking adaptation that celebrates the original story while acknowledging the complexities of modern society. Its ensemble cast, stunning visuals, and imaginative storytelling create a truly magical experience that will enchant audiences of all ages. Technical Information * Based on the book by: Frances Hodgson Burnett * Adapted by: Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard * Set Design by: Leslie Travers * Costume Design by: Khadija Raza * Lighting Design by: Jai Morjaria Performance Details * Venue: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre * Date: Until July 20 * For tickets and more information: [Insert Website URL Here]
An evening at Regents Park Open Air Theater can be a great success or a great disaster depending on what the weather has in store for us. When the sun shines, the theater itself becomes its own golden garden, the perfect setting for this heart-warming and thoughtful retelling of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Originally a children’s book published in 1911 under the same name, there are themes and some commentaries that may seem outdated or even offensive to audiences in 2024. The book follows young Mary Lennox as she grows up in India, but after she is orphaned…
Judgement
Can not be missed!
A magical and thought-provoking adaptation for all generations
An evening out Regents Park Open Air Theatre could be a great success or a great disaster depending on what the weather has in store for us. When the sun shines, the theater itself becomes its own golden garden, the perfect setting for this heartwarming and thoughtful retelling of Frances Hodgson Burnett‘S The Secret Garden.
Originally a children’s book published in 1911 under the same name, there are themes and some commentaries that may seem outdated or even offensive to audiences in 2024. The book follows young Mary Lennox who grows up in India, but after being orphaned following an outbreak of cholera, is sent to Yorkshire, England to live under the care of her estranged uncle.
This adjustment Holly Robinson And Anna Himali Howard treats the themes of colonialism with grace and care, with the slight change that the two mothers of the piece are Native American, both married to English officers, leaving Mary Lennox of mixed descent, a theme which is then beautifully incorporated into both Leslie Traversset design and Khadija Raza‘s costumes.
It is rare to see a production where all the elements come together as one, complementing each other and never overpowering, but this production is certainly one of them. Raza’s visually stunning costumes are set against Travers’ set, hinting at the expansive Misslethwaite Manor, with small holes filled with candles everywhere, traditional Indian jewelry and ivory elephants surround the front of the stage, and traditional Indian paper streamers emerging from the ground are drawn to represent the growing flowers, it is a true representation of both cultures becoming one. With warm, rich colors that make us feel the warmth of India, to the harsh wet weather of Yorkshire, lighting designer Jai Morjaria has worked with natural light, as the night sky slowly darkens perfectly.
The audience’s imagination is key to this production, inviting us to reflect, igniting the children’s imagination and the belief in us that the young children in the book rely on. The casting is perfect, one of the best examples of an ensemble I’ve seen on stage in years. Although they don’t play their named roles, each actor guides us through the story, taking turns being our narrators, our guides. Puppetry also plays an important role; a crow transforming from a black scarf, a fox from a golden sweater, all perfectly woven into this magical imaginative play.
With the birds flying overhead and the green shrubs forming the surrounding wings, this is a production that is right at home in Regents Park. Robinson & Howard can be proud of it. The Secret Garden captures the hearts of the audience, playing a true tribute to the original story, but with care and understanding for a 21st century audience.
Based on the book by: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Edited by: Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard
Set design by: Leslie Travers
Costumes designed by: Khadija Raza
Lighting design by: Jai Morjaria
The Secret Garden plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until July 20. More information and tickets available here.
