The Secret Garden has one of the best sets I have seen so far on the fringe. The costumes and direction match the set in their beauty and complexity. The singing and clever use of props should also be mentioned.

Shannon Hill as Mary Lennox is an orphan sent from her home in India to live with her unknown uncle in a haunted mansion on the mores.

Tom Chodil as Mary’s uncle has no idea on how to treat children. He is still trying to recover from the loss of his wife 10 years ago.

Catherine Allan as Martha the chambermaid despairs as to what to do with this strange young girl. A child who cannot dress herself and doesn’t know how to play.

Mary soon meets Martha's younger brother Dickon.  Dickon, Joe Dely and Mary soon become firm friends and with the help of the robin find the secret garden closed since Lilly died there.

Weeping in the night, full of tantrums Anthony Ambroselli as Colin Craven is discovered by Mary lying sick in bed. Each as stubborn as the other she soon persuades him to go outside.

The magic of the secret garden soon weaves its spell and everything ends well.

I would have liked to have had the opportunity to see this show again it was beautifully performed and sung and could rival a Broadway production.

****

Fringe Programme page number;   124

Company; American High School Theatre   Festival

Venue

Churchhill Theatre

Venue number

137

Dates

August 9,11,12,13

Times

Times vary see Fringe Programme

Comedy 2005

Music 2005

Other 2005

Theatre 2005

Musicals 2005