When Mary arrives from far away to live with her uncle, everybody says she is the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen. It is true, too! Mary is grumpy and difficult…and also very lonely. That all changes when she happens upon a mysterious garden that has been locked and hidden away for years. There, she discovers wonders and magic that she never imagined possible.

Join Mary on a journey filled with secrets, mystery and unexpected friendships.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is one of the greatest classics of children’s literature. This Spring, award-winning family theatre company Red Bridge Arts are delighted to be working with some of Scotland’s finest artists to bring a playful new version of this much loved story to the stage. Originally published in 1911, The Secret Garden has delighted readers young and old for decades. It is a tale of mystery, friendship and the power and magic of nature in our lives. Much like the original novel, this new production of The Secret Garden is full of poignancy and rich characters - but it steps away from the original novel’s setting in Victorian England, to a place resembling modern-day rural Scotland, with Mary as a feisty, funny and unlikely heroine.

Adapted by Scottish theatre-maker, Rosalind Sydney (Up to Speed, Low Pay? Don’t Pay!), co-directed by renowned theatre maker Ian Cameron (White, Stick by Me), and produced by award-winning family theatre company Red Bridge Arts - winners of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 CATS Award for Best Production for Children and Young People (for Black Beauty, Space Ape and Stick by Me).

Some thoughts from Rosalind Sydney and Alice McGrath of Red Bridge Arts:

Rosalind Sydney, Creator and Co-Director of The Secret Garden:

“I’ve always loved this story and was delighted when I re-read it that it felt as relevant to me now as it did when I was a child. 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.”

Acclaimed for their unique brand of inventive family theatre, and retelling of much-loved classic tales, Red Bridge Arts believe now is the time to bring The Secret Garden to a new generation of story-lovers.

Alice McGrath, Creative Director and Founder of Red Bridge Arts:

“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 re-visiting these stories. For us, it is so joyful to know we play a role in bringing generations together to share them afresh.”