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Carol has given a wonderfully detailed account of The Secret Garden and a synopsis so these are my impressions.
I knew the story of The Secret Garden, I had read about the Australian production and had read Sandi's and Carol's review of the Stratford production but I still wasn't sure what to expect as I waited for the musical to begin.
I agree with Carol about the sets, the pink roses were magnificent, and also Gillian Lynne's choreography. The collection of figures on stage at the beginning, depicting the cholera epidemic which killed Mary's parents almost reminded me of Les Mis.
There were some excellent cast performances from Linzi Hately (Martha), Meredith Braun (Lily) - what a beautiful voice she has! Carmen Cusack (Rose - Mary's mother) also had a lovely voice. Lily's appearances as a ghost throughout the show (waltzing with Archie, encouraging Colin to visit the garden, her appearance in Paris singing 'How could I ever know' with Archie was very sensitively portrayed. Colin and Mary were played by Luke Newberry and Tamsin Egerton Dick on this occasion and were both well suited to their parts. Tamsin threw an excellent tantrum as Mary, while in the presence of Neville Craven and the headmistress.
I share Carol's reservations about the characterisation of Dickon. Also, I thought he was meant to be younger (however, it is some time since I read the book). Nevertheless, he was well represented by Craig Purnell.
Peter Polycarpu was superb as a stern, humourless Dr Neville Craven. He was in fine voice for his duet, 'Lily's Eyes', with Philip, which was wonderful.
Philip's Archie Craven was just tremendous. I had really been looking forward to seeing Philip act and sing in a live production and he certainly exceeded all expectations. All his songs were beautifully sung (in the absence of a list of musical numbers in the programme I can't remember the names of all the songs). My favourites were 'Race you to the top of the Morning' sung tenderly to the sleeping Colin, 'A Bit of Earth', 'Where in the World' and 'How could I ever know' sung with Lily in Paris. I know what Sandi meant by wanting to give him a hug!
I do hope there will be a CD (and perhaps a video too) of this production. I doubt if I can get back to Stratford before the end of the run there, therefore I am keeping my fingers crossed for a transfer to London.
Philip kindly signed my programme after the show and confirmed what a lovely man he is.
