Review: The Secret Garden at Basildon Park

Published 7 Jul 2010 09:00 0 Comments

By Danielle Cumber

HEARTBREAK Productions lifted the curtain on the National Trust's summer season with an open-air performance of a childhood classic, The Secret Garden.

The cast of five brought to life the magic of Frances Hodgeson-Burnett's story in a production which catered for the young and old.

The story follows selfish Mary Lennox. When Mary is sent to live with her uncle in England she finds a secret garden and a sick cousin, who work together to heal both the garden and themselves.

The cast used multi-roling and costume changes to re-enact loveable characters from the story, and simple props, such as a black umbrella as a bat, and a lovable fluffy robin, to make the story come alive.

Considering the show finished at 9.30pm, even the youngest of children were kept enthralled.

Goodie bags for children contained butterfly wands and bird whistles, which were used in the show to involve the audience.

The cast started the show by walking around the audience in character, talking to the children.

The play was performed in the grounds of Basildon Park, the ideal setting for the English moors and the secret garden itself.

Guests enjoyed picnics while basking in the glorious sunshine.

Andrew Cullum who played gardener Ben Weatherstaff and Mr Craven, said: "It went very well indeed. Despite the fact that it was extremely warm, I felt that the audience were lively and seemed to be really enjoying themselves."

The next open-air performance at Basildon Park is Pride and Prejudice on Friday, July 9, with tickets costing £12 for adults and £8 for children.

Other upcoming productions at Cliveden in Maidenhead include An Ideal Husband, July 17, Romeo And Juliet, July 24, and James And The Giant Peach, July 27.

For information on future National Trust shows call 0844 249 1895 or see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Danielle Cumber

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This article appeared in Villager 01 Jul 10

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