The Secret Garden

Another Perth show for which it is difficult to get tickets is Melville’s The Secret Garden. This simply lovely show, does not disappoint.

Fans of the novel will note that the musical deviates from the Frances Hodgson Burnett story, but the heart is still there - the story of an angry little girl who finds herself and saves her cousin through an English garden. Christie McGarrity as Mary is a lovely heart for this production. With a beautiful presence and gorgeous singing voice, Christie charms the audience. Talented ensemblist and understudy Sophia Matthews plays Mary at some performances.

The world of The Secret Garden is populated by ghosts and memories. Most prominent is Mary’s Aunt Lily, expertly sung and played by Meesha Williams, but we also meet Mary’s parents, living at the outset, but later appearing as spirits - the pretty voiced and attractive Rose (Erin Craddock), her father, Captain Lennox (a very centred James Massey) and her Ayah (or nanny) - the lovely Roshni Kaila, among many memories. 

The ensemble members have large workloads, playing the Dreamers, who move the action, as well as a myriad of smaller roles. Without exception, they are focused and sing beautifully. Harmonies throughout are beautiful and the show has a lovely choral feel.

Excellent teamwork from brothers Archibald and Neville Craven, performed by Justin Freind and Ross Burford, playing unspoken conflict with expertise. Both pulled into the cast by necessity, Burford is also the Musical Director and Freind his assistant, and they do an excellent job both on and off stage.

Residents of Misselthwaite Manor include the firm Mrs Medlock (a stern Andrea Van Bertouch), Yorkshire accented maid Martha (a delightful Niamh Nichols) and warm-hearted but grumpy gardener Ben Weatherstaff (Rex Gray). Jesse Watt’s Dickon was a particular audience favourite. Colin Craven, Mary’s crippled and sickly cousin was played by Joshua White, looking and sounding like an English choir boy.

Musical accompaniment is provided by a single piano, very ably played by Lea Hayward.

The set is relatively simple, but very nicely designed by George Boyd, well thought-out changes are artistically performed by the cast. Much of the atmosphere is courtesy of very strong lighting choices by lighting designer Don Allen.

A gentle and sweet show that is suitable for the whole family, The Secret Garden is a lovely night at the theatre if you can manage to secure one of the last tickets.

Kimberley Shaw