Earlier this week, The Tron Theatre in Glasgow hosted the world premiere of The Secret Garden, a contemporary new adaptation of the much-loved children’s story.
Hot on the heels of that highly anticipated event, the show comes to The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, on Saturday, and can be enjoyed at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness next week.
Originally published in 1911, The Secret Garden book has kept readers young and old delighted for decades.
We all love a good mystery, and this story has it by the barrowload, along with a plot that weaves together the power of friendship, magic and nature in our lives.
The original book is set in England during Victorian times, but creator and co-director of the play, Rosalind Sydney, chose to set her version in a place resembling modern-day, rural Scotland.
Rosalind said: “I’ve always loved this story and remember hearing it – I think I first listened to it via an audio book – when I was about eight years old.
“I’ve always liked the whole idea of having a secret place, somewhere with hidden doors that is hard to find, and being able to communicate with nature and animals.
“I re-read the book before starting the adaption and it felt as relevant to me now as it did when I was a child.
“But what did strike me is that the book is written in a very unsentimental way and deals with a lot of broader issues such as separation with children losing their parents and friends.
“I’m excited about presenting a new version which keeps the integrity and richness of the characters and beloved story, but has a very different energy, physicality and aesthetic to the novel.
“And one which keeps its young audience and their adults amused, gripped and guessing.”
When young Mary arrives to live with her uncle, everyone agrees she is the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.
She’s certainly grumpy, difficult, feisty and funny, but also very lonely.
Things change when Mary comes upon a mysterious garden that has been locked and hidden away for years.
There she discovers wonders and magic she never imagined possible.
“In the original story Mary grew up in colonial India to parents who never really wanted her, and after they die she is sent to live with a relative in England,” said Rosalind.
“In this version, Mary has come from a war-torn country and been sent to Scotland, where she has a completely different lifestyle.”
Bored, Mary decides to explore the gardens around her house where she meets a robin which shows her where to find a key which unlocks the gate to the secret garden.
The times she spends there, surrounded by nature, make her happy and content.
As time passes she makes friends with another child, Dickon, and later meets Colin, a boy who has been hidden away in a bedroom in the house because he’s ill.
As their friendship grows, she tells him about her secret, magical garden, which he’s keen to visit.
Will the restorative power of nature and the great outdoors work on him?
Co-directed by renowned theatre maker Ian Cameron and produced by award-winning family theatre company Red Bridge Arts, the show stars Gavin Jon Wright, Itxaso Moreno and Sarah Miele.
“The story is aimed at families and children aged around six and over,” said Rosalind.
“We did a couple of pre- premiere shows and it was lovely to see everyone from youngsters to grandparents in the audience, enjoying themselves.
“It has been really enjoyable for Ian and I to retell this much- loved story which stays true to the spirit of the original book.
“When something is that good, you really don’t want to mess with it!”
Alice McGrath, creative director and founder of Red Bridge Arts, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Ros and the company on this modern adaptation of a much-loved classic tale.
“The Secret Garden is mysterious and magical, as well as truthful and insightful.
“It speaks of the transformative and restorative power of nature and of the great benefits of connecting and protecting the natural world and all of its inhabitants.
“We know from our other classic adaptation, Black Beauty, that audiences of all ages enjoy visiting and revisiting these stories.
“For us, it is so joyful to know we play a role in bringing generations together to share them afresh.”
The Secret Garden is undertaking a full Scottish tour and can be seen at The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, on Saturday, February 15 at 2pm and 7pm (01224 641122) and Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, at 6pm on Monday, February 17 and 2pm on Tuesday, February 18 (01463 234234).