The Secret Garden at the Octagon Theatre Bolton Review
The Secret Garden
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
11-13 August 2016
Reviewed by Michelle Wright
Just the title of The Secret Garden transports me back to my childhood. I remember my mum sitting on the edge of my bed reading this story to me over and over again.
So when I heard that one of my all-time favourite childhood stories was being transformed into a stage workshop at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton – it was a must for me to come and see.
My expectations were high – would it be comparable to my childhood memories of such a classic novel?
Well I wasn’t disappointed… what a fabulous community Summer production! A cast of over 80 young people, 4 adults, a fabulous artistic team brought BAFTA nominated writer, Janys Chambers’ version of this classic novel to life! Everyone involved clearly worked so hard, learning line after line, breathing life and expression into their roles perfectly.
The story of the Secret Garden is one of an ill-mannered little girl called Mary who comes to live with her Uncle when her parents tragically die. She’s rude and selfish and her new life is a shock. Her personality starts to turn as she is shown kindness from a poverty stricken family who hardly have enough money to feed themselves, yet they buy her a skipping rope and invest their time and love into her.
This new found love and recognition of a selfless act then allows Mary to do the same for an equally rude and unloved little boy, who turns out to be her cousin, Colin.
Together, and with the help of a few friends, they set off on an adventure of transforming a garden that had been shut up for years – again, neglected of love, care and attention, until it flourishes, just like our main characters.
It really is a beautiful story that has lots of depth and meaning but to my 10 year old daughter who came along with me, she saw the story simply as kindness and magic.
I was so impressed with the huge cast of actresses and actors – my particular favourite being the young lad who played Colin – he definitely has a natural acting talent and I am sure he will be taking to the stage again. My daughter was enchanted by the 6 girls who played Mary. They cleverly changed actresses as the story progressed starting from a smaller younger girl to an older girl as it finished, but the most comical of characters has to be the Robin Redbreast looking for his lady love, and he eventually finds her; they marry and start a family.
The stage sets were simple but very cleverly done, in particular we liked the use of picture frames to give the illusion of corridors. At one point there was a journey which transformed seamlessly from a boat to a train to a horse and carriage – at this my daughter very astutely commented how fabulous it was and that imagination was such a wonderful thing!
Well done to all involved. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would recommend any family to visit and see the wonderful work the Octagon does with the local community.
The Secret Garden is on at The Octagon until 13th August, and with tickets at only £6 for an adult or £4 for a child it really is an affordable treat for the whole family.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £4 to £6.
The Secret Garden is at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton until 13 August 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01204 520661.
Octagon Theatre. Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB | 01204 520661
