The cast of The Secret Garden In Concert at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford and touring
The Secret Garden – In Concert was performed at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford and continues its UK tour until 2 November.
Starting off at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington, Aria Entertainment and Knockhardy Productions’ take on composer Lucy Simon and librettist/lyricist’s Marsha Norman’s musical version of the classic French children’s novel The Secret Garden (by Frances Hodgson Burnett) is a thoroughly delightful adventure. The original Broadway production understandably won three Tony Awards in 1991 (including one for Norman’s book).
It is very much the music that carries this production. Francisco Rodriguez-Weil’s simple set throws the music to the forefront and, rather than the scenery, it is the beautiful compositions that create the magical and mysterious atmosphere of the house and garden. The musicians are only slightly hidden by an imaginative backdrop and this draws your ear to the quality of the brilliant arrangements and players. The modest set really highlights the sensational singing from all the cast.
Anastasia Martin, at just 13, gives a strong performance as Mary Lennox. She holds her own and harmonises well with the powerful voice and Yorkshire charm of Dickon, played by Jordan Lee-Davis, a recent finalist in the second series of the BBC talent show The Voice. Their renditions of ‘Show Me the Key’ and ‘Wick’ are wonderfully captivating. Elliot Jones as Colin Craven is equally impressive, executing a convincing transition from a ‘selfish’ illness to a new found love of life.
Although it is the children that steal the show, Ashleigh Gray, who takes on the role of Martha, delivers some incredible and highly emotional solos. Alexander Evans, playing Archibald Craven, really embodies the continuing grieving of a widower.
Directed by Matthew Gould, this simple, but musically impressive production of The Secret Garden worked well in the small space and managed to capture the entire audience. Despite being a children’s novel, I have no doubt that the music and magic of the production could enchant anyone.
Lauren Jackson
http://aria-entertainment.com/portfolio/the-secret-garden
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