The Secret Garden
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, performed by the cast, this beautiful reimagining will introduce a new generation to the transformational magic of the garden.
Find out more about The Secret Garden here.
Cast (in alphabetical order):
Michael Blair
Sarah Boulter
Ellen Carnazza
Wambui Hardcastle
Zoe Lambert
Shreya Patel
Lauren Waine
Public Tour Dates & Venues:
June 2022
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Sunday 12 June, 5pm - Spiegeltent, Hexham Book Festival
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Thursday 16 June, 1.30pm - Arts Centre Washington
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Saturday 18 June, 1pm - Gosforth Civic Theatre - Limited Availability
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Sunday 19 June, 1.30pm - Fishburn Youth & Community Centre, Stockton (For tickets email: manager@fycc.org.uk or call 01740 629536)
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Saturday 25 June , 2pm - Gala, Durham (BSL)
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Sunday 26 June, 1.30pm - The Word, South Shields (BSL interpreted) - SOLD OUT
July 2022
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Friday 1 July, 6pm - Coundon & Leeholme Community Centre (For tickets call 07834827537)
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Saturday 2 July, 2pm - Lady Waterford Hall, Ford, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Access
As well as trying to design a creative process that removed barriers for disabled artists, or those with a long-term health condition, we wanted to try to find ways to make our performances more accessible. Here's what we've done:
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BSL Interpreted Performances - There are two performances where BSL interpretation will be available - Saturday 25 June, 2pm at Gala Durham and Sunday 26 June, 1.30pm at The Word, South Shields
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Script Download - If you would find it useful to download a copy of the script in advance we have a pdf version and Word version you can download. Please note, that because this is a live performance, dialogue and stage directions might vary slightly from show to show. But this will give you a good idea of what to expect and when.
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Sensory Map Download - You can also download a sensory map of the show. This beautiful map, illustrated by Lizzie Lovejoy, will tell you when to expect, for example, loud noises, increased movement on stage or scenes with heightened emotions. Printed copies will be available at all performances.
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One of the show's co-producers (Becci & Carole) will be at every performance - if you would like to discuss access arrangements with them, please do find them to have a chat. Alternatively, you are welcome to use the contact form to get in touch with us in advance.
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There will also be a digital version of the show, with optional captions, available to stream later in the tour. We'll update this page with booking information when we have it.
Photos: Matt Jamie Photography