The Enchanting Secret Garden: A ReviewThe Enchanting Secret Garden: A Review Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel, “The Secret Garden,” has been brought to life on stage at Regent’s Park Open Air Theater. This latest adaptation, by Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard, promises to immerse audiences in the lush, mysterious world of Mary Lenox. Exceptional Casting The casting of this production is a triumph. Hannah Khalique-Brown delivers a nuanced performance as Mary, capturing both her initial unlikability and her gradual transformation. The cast’s Greek ensemble infuses the production with vibrant humor and energy. Disappointing Set Design While the casting shines, the set design falls short. The minimalist approach attempts to blend English and Indian elements, but the result is often messy and uninspiring. The choice of streamers and ribbons instead of actual plants for the garden is a puzzling and ineffective choice. Deviating from the Original This adaptation deviates significantly from the book’s original message, focusing instead on challenging societal expectations. While this shift is somewhat disappointing, the play still conveys the importance of self-acceptance. Overall Impressions Despite its flaws, this production of “The Secret Garden” offers an enjoyable theatrical experience. The excellent casting and the play’s important message make up for the lackluster set design. However, those expecting the lush greenery and sunshine of the book may be left wanting. Ticket Information Tickets for “The Secret Garden” are available for purchase at the following link: [Ticket Purchase Link] Social Media Snippet Don’t miss “The Secret Garden” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theater. With a captivating cast but a disappointing set design, this production is a mixed bag. #SecretGarden #RegentsPark #TheaterReview
The Secret Garden has always been a story that has evoked rich images, as do all of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s books. Lush, tangled garlands of roses, ivy-covered stone walls, the austere and dark halls of Yorkshire mansions. Sunshine slowly permeates the flow of the text. With it comes a wave of green, which picks you up and carries you away with all the joy of the approaching English summer. This new version of Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard’s play is, in theory, the perfect choice for Regent’s Park Open Air Theater, where the trees rustle against the stage and parakeets fly overhead.
Mary Lenox is a spoiled, lonely orphan who is sent from India to Yorkshire to live with her uncle after her parents die of cholera. There she ends up in a world of secrets and closed doors. Lonely and bored, she goes in search of the mysterious garden where no one has been in for ten years and discovers a few hidden things along the way.
The casting choices for The Secret Garden were excellent, not only because of the talent of the actors, but also because it lent diversity to the story in a way that honored the book’s original characters. Hannah Khalique-Brown in particular perfectly captured Mary’s unpleasant nature while portraying her relatable experience of feeling different in a world that doesn’t help or understand you. The cast as a Greek ensemble created a lively and funny atmosphere that provided continuous laughter.
       
Unfortunately, the set design did not match the rest of the performance. While the choice to combine English and Indian design in the set made for some interesting visuals, it fell short in other areas. Although the minimalism worked quite well in showing Mary’s journey from India to Yorkshire, it became clumsy and disjointed from that point on. At certain points the stage just seemed messy.
The real disappointment was the garden. Instead of plants there were streamers and ribbons. Although clearly intended as a tribute to cultural ornamentation, the effect felt worn and cheap. A good idea, but poorly executed. One cannot help but wonder why the readily available greenery around the stage was not used, but instead blocked by the very beige set design.
While this version of The Secret Garden Although the book deviated drastically from the book’s original message of questioning the beliefs you and other people have about yourself, it came down to another important message. Knowing your own limitations and accepting and working with them is just as important as being able to defy the expectations of others, and this was beautifully demonstrated by the cast. All in all it was a nice performance, just don’t expect green.
Tickets can be purchased here
