Reviewed by Debra Campbell for What’s the Show
A totally delightful evening was what my friend and I had going to see THE SECRET GARDEN at the cute Beaumaris Theatre. As soon as you step inside this special community venue you know you’re in for a good night. This was where I did my very first review too!
A popular novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, published as a book in 1911, the set in front of us includes a hidden garden, which will change from barren to beautiful, and be accompanied by very clever use of a spotlight as a tiny robin bird. Add the authentic period costuming for seven characters and an even more authentic early wheelchair for one of them, the use of everything is impressive overall from the solemn lighting dimmed in the introduction to a bright and happy end.
The friend I had with me tonight is very much a supporter of theatre and sees many professional and amateur productions, but she had not been to Beaumaris Theatre before; she was equally impressed and her quote for the evening was:
“Mary was an absolute standout, captivating stage presence”
I agree, young Winne Wilson-Phillips (who has just turned 11) playing ‘Mary’, was faultless in this lead role, with a massive amount of dialogue and in a mastered Yorkshire accent. Winnie’s character was all things; sullen, sad, mad, rude, friendly, mean, caring and entertaining! A great deal of emotions for a young actress who got involved in drama by chance only three years ago when her sister won a term class at BDC Drama that Winnie took over and has been hooked on ever since – easy to see why.
Playing ‘Colin’ is talented young actor Ben Solomon. A year 7 student, Ben also had many different emotions to display and he managed to convey both serious and comic lines within very short changing emotional intervals seamlessly. We all had a good laugh when he chastised Mrs Medlock, argued with Mary, ordered elderly gardener Ben around, and learned to move again with Dickon’s exercise help.
‘Dickon’ played by year 8 student Max Turner had an obvious strong confidence throughout. Complete with an animal (not real) on his arm or shoulder, his role was full of positivity for helping others. As I read in the program that Max has already worked professionally with Jessica Mauboy in the Australian film ‘Windcatcher’, and also enjoys screenwriting and making his own movies, I am sure there will be no limits for his bright future in the Arts.
Both Shelley Dunlop as ‘Martha’ (housemaid) and Caroline Kinnear as ‘Mrs Medlock’ (housekeeper) right from the very start were fun to watch. Splendid surprise, worry and shock were all part of their course in these characters looking after the children. I was pleased to see that Mrs Medlock was good-at-heart in the end, as Martha had told Mary in the beginning. Caroline did such a good job of keeping her stern until then and I had forgotten many details since I saw The Secret Garden as a child at the movies and read in the book when I was in school way back when…. let’s not go there, but I knew I loved the story.
I did remember in the end that there was a reunion for father and son. Simon Coles as ‘Mr Craven’ is so well suited to this role and I especially enjoyed the scene watching him return to discover the garden and Colin in good health. Every parent in the audience felt his words.
Dan Bellis as ‘Ben Weatherstaff’ was very funny, whether he was leaning over the garden wall or discussing matters of ‘rheumatics’ with the children, he got continuous laughter bursts from the audience even in unexpected moments purely from his crusty mannerism or awkward posture adjustment.
This show is all about the joy of a garden; the magic that life can bring – all happening in a magic little place in Beaumaris.
Go see and love it!
Congratulations to Director Kristina Doucouliagos, Assistant Director Alarna Summers, Stage Manager Sarah Gow, Set Designer Fred Pezzimenti, Scenic Artist Sally Fleming, Lighting Designer Joshua Gardner, Lighting Operator Sam Johnson, Spotlight Operator Hal Foxworthy, Composer Harrison Ewart-Dart and costumes by Jenni Osburn.
Thank you to Debbie Keyt, president of Beaumaris Theatre Committee, for your invitation.
Originally published on whatstheshow.com.au/the-secret-garden