It's been a real joy and honour for me to work on The Secret Garden, working collaboratively with scriptwriters Becci Sharrock and Lisette Auton in creating the songs and soundtrack, and with Ali Pidsley in directing how they are performed. The songs themselves have evolved very naturally out of the imagination and creativity of the cast and their brilliant ability to improvise musically around the magic of the garden. I can't wait to see how audiences respond.
An enchanting tale of friendship and discovery Commissioned by Queen’s Hall Arts Centre Premiering at Hexham Book Festival 2022
Written by Becci Sharrock & Lisette Auton Direction by Ali Pidsley Design by Lizzy Leech Sound Design by Sam Slatcher Produced by Becci Sharrock & Carole Wears With support from November Club & Live Theatre “A secret garden, just for them, that no-one else knew about.” When Lennox finds herself sent to stay in Northumberland after being excluded from her city comp, she is certain there is nothing there for her. Far away from home, with a family she barely knows, she must rediscover herself and in doing so uncover the mystery of the long hidden secret garden. With brand new folk songs written by Sam Slatcher, and performed by the cast, this beautiful reimagining will introduce a new generation to the transformational magic of the garden. Cast (in alphabetical order): Michael Blair Sarah Boulter Ellen Carnazza Wambui Hardcastle Zoe Lambert Shreya Patel Lauren Waine
Public Tour Dates & Venues: June 2022
Sunday 12 June, 5pm - Spiegeltent, Hexham Book Festival
Thursday 16 June, 1.30pm - Arts Centre Washington
Saturday 18 June, 1pm - Gosforth Civic Theatre - Limited Availability
Sunday 19 June, 1.30pm - Fishburn Youth & Community Centre, Stockton (For tickets email: manager@fycc.org.uk or call 01740 629536)
Saturday 25 June , 2pm - Gala, Durham (BSL)
Sunday 26 June, 1.30pm - The Word, South Shields (BSL interpreted) - SOLD OUT
July 2022
Friday 1 July, 6pm - Coundon & Leeholme Community Centre (For tickets call 07834827537)
Saturday 2 July, 2pm - Lady Waterford Hall, Ford, Berwick-upon-Tweed