The Egg Theatre in Bath is marking its 21st birthday with a major new adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s story The Secret Garden, alongside a series of creative wellbeing initiatives designed to support children and young people across the region.
Running from Thursday 2 to Sunday 26 July at The Egg Theatre in Bath, the disability-led production will transform the venue into a living, immersive garden space where families can explore music, imagination and nature together.
Adapted by Tom Wentworth and directed by Stephanie Kempson, the production reimagines the much-loved story through a modern lens while keeping the magic and wonder of the original book at its heart. Music and sound are by Cameron Mackintosh Award winner Ben Osborn.
Families can expect an immersive theatre experience filled with creativity, care and discovery. All performances will be relaxed performances, helping to make the show more accessible for children and young people.
The story follows Mary, a fiercely curious young girl who arrives at Mistlethwaite Manor to find locked gardens, hidden secrets and a silent household. Determined to uncover the mysteries surrounding her, Mary begins a journey that transforms both herself and those around her.
Writer Tom Wentworth said, “I always dreamed of adapting one of my favourite children’s books The Secret Garden for the stage – and now it’s happening! This brand-new production directed by Stephanie Kempson is a story of friendship, acceptance and secrets, all told through the prism of a garden – and the magic that occurs when we accept others and ourselves.
“It is as relevant today as when Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote the original novel, and I hope this adaptation delights children and adults alike, especially those who are bedbound or hospitalised like I was as a child. Stories played a vital role in my recovery and the person I’ve become today, and if my adaptation ignites one child’s imagination so they can create stories for themselves, I will have done a good job!”
The cast includes Martin Bonger as Mr Craven, returning to The Egg after appearing in Snow Mice! last Christmas, alongside Alice Barclay as Mrs Medlock, Daneka Etchells as Martha, Daniel Forbes as Dickon, Jack Hunter as Colin and Bilqees Khalid as Mary.
Alongside the stage production, The Egg is launching The Secret Gardens Programme, a collection of projects focused on emotional wellbeing, creativity and sensory engagement.
The programme includes creative performances in schools, remote arts projects for hospital in-patients, a sensory experience for babies, an interactive wellbeing storytelling tool and a documentary created with children involved in the programme.
Artistic Director Kate Cross said, “Children’s right to creativity and culture has always been on our minds and with it the space that offers for wellbeing.
“The key to this programme is what we are calling ‘deep producing’ – building creative and communal relationships with all its participants and audiences and growing the influence of the programme like a mycelium network.”
Audio described performances will take place on Thursday 23 July at 7pm and Saturday 25 July at 3pm.
Tickets start from £12.50 for children and students and £17.50 for adults. For more information visit the Theatre Royal Bath website.
