London Children's Ballet ~ The Secret Garden Synopsis Mary Lennox has no-one left in the world when she arrives at Misselthwaite Manor, her mysterious uncle's enormous, draughty mansion looming on the edge of the moors. A cholera epidem…
Mary Lennox has no-one left in the world when she arrives at Misselthwaite Manor, her mysterious uncle's enormous, draughty mansion looming on the edge of the moors.
A cholera epidemic has ravaged the Indian village in which she was born, killing both her parents and the "Ayah," who cared for her. She is totally alone. Her socialite mother had no time between parties for Mary, and her father was both too ill and too occupied by his work to raise his daughter.
Not long after coming to live with her uncle, Mr. Craven, Mary discovers a walled garden, neglected and in ruins. Soon she meets her maid Martha's brother Dickon, a robust country boy nourished both by his mother's love and by the natural surroundings of the countryside; and her tyrannical cousin Colin, whose mother died giving birth to him. So traumatised was Mr. Craven by the sudden death of his beloved wife that he effectively abandoned the infant Colin and buried the keys to the garden that she adored. His son has grown into a self-loathing hypochondriacal child whose tantrums strike fear into the hearts of household.
The lush garden is now overgrown and all are forbidden to enter it. No one can even remember where the door is, until a robin leads Mary to its hidden key. It is in the "secret garden," and with the help of Dickon, that Mary and Colin find the path to physical and spiritual health. Along the way the three children discover that their imaginations have the power to transform lives…
London Children's Ballet production of The Secret Garden at Peacock Theatre, London on July 03 2024. Photo: ASH
London Children's Ballet production of The Secret Garden at Peacock Theatre, London on July 03 2024. Photo: ASH
London Children's Ballet production of The Secret Garden at Peacock Theatre, London on July 03 2024. Photo: ASH
Review
The Secret Garden is one of the most beloved children's books, dealing with loss, found family and the power of belief. It's a story that inspires hope. There's no more fitting tribute than a ballet.
London Children's Ballet have chosen The Secret Garden for this year's production and it's full of all the ingredients we've come to expect from this extraordinary group. But it's not just about fantastic, moving dance and storytelling; the company weave together exquisite music (from composer Artem Vassiliev), costumes and set design (Carrie-Ann Stein, based on the original designs by Neil Irish and Eva Le Blanc from previous productions).
It's mesmerising from start to finish, an explosion of colour and nostalgia, as these fantastic dancers bring the world to life. Constance Rauly is a brilliant Mary: obstreperous, contrary and stubborn, combining mime and dance to really show her journey. Her scenes with Dickon (Joshua Moisey) are delightful.
Ellie Henderson is a joy to watch as the Robin - especially considering her limited rehearsal time - while Toby Gray combines his steps with perfectly humorous facial expressions and characterisation as Ben Weatherstaff., wonderfully supported by his fellow gardeners The scenes with the butterflies, roses and petals are beautiful and there are some lovely scenes with the maids, Martha (Blandine Ploquin) and Mrs Medlock (Alice Herbert).
Considering the complexity of the story, it is a tricky one to break down into scenes, which does make it a little less seamless than previous productions, but it's a minor point and the overall effect is truly magical.
Once again, London Children's Ballet have shown the power of talent, teamwork and teaching to create another wonderful show.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Thanks to Hickman and Associates for my tickets. Opinions my own.
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