WHEN Frances Hodgson Burnett put pen to paper and wrote 'The Secret Garden', we can only wonder if she knew then, that she was writing one of the most popular stories of all time.
Though, written primarily, as a children's story, it has universal appeal and is delighting Newmarket audiences at The Kings Theatre, this week, where it is being staged by Young NOMADS.
The play is directed by Wallace Wareham and Lucy Wareham, an
d, in the words of Lucy, 'The Secret Garden, tells of a lost paradise of love and happiness, reclaimed and rejuvenated by two thoroughly unpleasant and selfish children, who in turn, flourish and bloom with the changing seasons of the garden.'
It is the healing powers which are certainly found in this garden, as the orphaned, Mary Lennox, returns from India, and comes to live in a great rambling Yorkshire house, which is the home of her bereaved Uncle, Mr Craven, and her sickly cousin, Colin.
She discovers the forbidden garden, and together with the Yorkshire lad, Dickon, she transforms the world around them.
The young characters thrive, and the young actors bring a great dimension to this production, blooming and flourishing as the story unfolds.
Rori Saxby is brilliant as the young Mary, and together with Lewis Williams, as Dickon, combine to make a splendid pair.
Fern Wareham, brings a charming warmth to the cold, dark Yorkshire mansion, as Martha, with a great Yorkshire accent to match.
The chilly, Mrs Medlock is excellently portrayed by Stella Frangleton, with the comforting and contrasting role of Ben Weatherstaff, the gardener, played by Reggie Chamberlain-King.
Stefan Stavrakakis, is outstanding as Colin; and Sam Mackrill takes the part of Mr Craven, with the confident stage presence that has fast become a feature of this young actor.
The opening scenes in India, give a real feel of the place, with The Ayah, taken by Ebony Chamberlain-King.
In fact, all the young cast, throughout are splendid, and as always, have that certain infectious enthusiasm.
Back stage, many of the Young NOMADS are gainfully employed as part of the crew.
The set is an exceptional feature of the production, designed by Wallace Wareham.
With childhood memories flooding back during the evening, of black and white television and the Sunday afternoon serial, of 'The Secret Garden', I was transported back in time to those days of magic and wonder, and this production is a great reassurance of the 'healing powers of nature'.
