Opening night of ‘The Secret Garden’ at Theatre Royal was ‘something special’

The opening night of “The Secret Garden”, which is being staged at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds was “something special”.

Prior to the performance patrons and supporters of the theatre were treated to some drinks and superb canapes in the theatre garden. The food was an introduction to the new Greene Room bar food offer from LEA by Pascal Canevet of Maison Bleue.

In the theatre the performance was outstanding with acting of the highest order both from the professional actors and the young up and coming stars of the future. The performance was enhanced by electronic subtitles I am sure to help decipher some broad Yorkshire dialect in the script.

With so much dialogue you wondered how everybody was able to remember their lines but it was faultless and a great experience.

We have never heard the audience appreciation so loud cheering and clapping at the interval and especially at the close of the performance.

This was a  great presentaion that has received 5 star reviews and  is well worth a visit to the theatre.

The opening performance on Friday, August 19 followed news of the cast of local young people who joined professional actors for the show.

Youngsters aged between 11 and 15 auditioned for the roles back in May and began rehearsals in the last week of July with directors, Owen Calvert-Lyons and David Whitney.

For the young people, being part of this production gives them the chance to experience working with industry professionals in professional setting whilst gaining valuable skills enhancing their drama and acting abilities.

The theatre’s summer and winter in-house productions are a great way for those who enjoy drama at school to take part in the arts outside of the school setting. Being part of a production at Theatre Royal lets young cast members build confidence, learn new skills and make friends amongst their peers all while putting on a high-quality performance for the public.

Those familiar with the story will remember the three lead roles of Mary, Colin and Dickon which will be taken on by six members of the young cast.

Playwright Nicola Werenowska, has brilliantly created the “Guardians of The Secrets” characters for this production to create a lively and exciting play full of mystery and whispers.

Mary Lennox is the stubborn protagonist of the story who parents died tragically in India and consequently, she is sent to live with her Uncle, Mr Craven, in his manor on the Yorkshire moors.

Colin Craven, Mr Cravens, son is a tyrannical child who is disabled and has been treated as an invalid since birth.

Dickon Sowerby, described as a “common moor boy”, looks after all of the animals on the estate and is at one with nature. His positive outlook and power to tame animals moves the story and the characters through evolution throughout the play.

The new role of “The Guardians of The Secrets” are members of a secret club of onlookers who watch from the side-lines but are careful to intervene. They love secrets but are divided whether to share them or to keep them.

“The Secret Garden” is being staged until Saturday, September 3.