The Secret Garden Will Return to London's West End

The Secret Garden, based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, with script and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon, is returning to the West End for a summer season. Directed by Rupert Hands, the production will play a limited engagement at the Ambassadors Theatre July 27 through August 31. Opening night is scheduled for August 3.

This incarnation of the tuner has been adapted to 75 minutes by its creators to be performed by young people. More than 2,000 kids have auditioned for The Secret Garden and 300 youngsters will be cast in the show.

Orphaned while living in India, 10 year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire, England to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald, whom she has never met. There, the ill-tempered and lonely Mary meets Martha, a chambermaid, who tells her of a secret garden which belonged to her aunt Lily before she died. Mary’s search for the garden introduces her to a slew of other characters including Dickon (Martha’s brother), Ben (the head gardener), Neville (her other uncle), and a spirited robin that seems to be trying to talk to her. The tale of forgiveness and hope reveals that even the cruelest of environments can blossom with new life.

The production will feature musical direction by Richard Baker, with choreography by Jamie Neale, costume and set design by Lizzy Leech, resident direction by Julie Thomas and resident choreography by Katy Stephens.