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Cape Town Theatre Company
“Perhaps there is a language which is not made of words, and everything in the world understands it.”
"There must be lots of Magic in the world, but people don’t know what it is like or how to make it. Perhaps the beginning is just to say nice things are going to happen until you make them happen.” - Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
Cape Town Theatre Company returns with a magical new production at the heart of its summer season. Frances Hodgson Burnett’s iconic and much-loved tale is re-imagined for the stage by the uniquely imaginative mind of award-winning designer and director Stephan Fourie. The show is a vibrant feast for the eyes, taking audiences on a mystical whirlwind adventure as they discover the secrets of a mysterious hidden garden. A talented cast of 23 performers tell the story of orphaned Mary Lennox, who finds herself living in her cruel uncle’s manor. Alone and frightened, yet stubborn as ever, she explores the grounds and discovers a magical secret garden. She is joined on her adventure by Dickon, a boy who talks to animals, and her sickly cousin Colin, who matches her stubbornness and grumpy manner.
This extravagant production contains all the ingredients of a magical theatrical adventure, with gorgeous puppets, enormous sets, vibrant choreography and a heart-warming story performed by a stellar cast at the centre of it all.
The Secret Garden is the must-see family outing in Cape Town’s vibrant summer entertainment catalogue. Experience the wonder of this tale as never seen before.
The Cape Town Theatre Company is one of Cape Town’s most prolific creators of theatre within the city, and are thrilled to produce the iconic tale of Mary Lennox, as she heals from the pain of her past within her magical garden. The Secret Garden is the latest theatrical outing in this illustrious company’s repertoire, and sees the company returning to the newly reopened Star Theatre at HCC (formerly the site of the beloved Fugard Theatre in the heart of Cape Town) following their sold-out smash run of The Great Gatsby earlier this year. The production is crafted for the whole family, and promises to enthrall and immerse children young and old into the wonderful world created by some of our city’s best designers.
"Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel has been immortalised in popular culture as a timeless children’s classic. Her understanding of the importance of family and positive affirmation has become standard vocabulary in modern-day psychology, giving this more than 100-year-old novel a contemporary voice that resonates with people of all ages. Translating this beloved work to the stage has allowed us to explore the magic and theatricality of her story. Our staging uses strong visual and sensory devices to transport the audience into a truly immersive world, forgetting about reality for just a moment. The cast of 23 permeates the stage with vibrant performances, filled to the brim with song, dance, puppetry and magic. It’s a classic tale retold for a modern family audience, filled with joy, hope and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity." - Stephan Fourie, Director
SHOW DETAILS
Dates: 09 December - 17 December 2022
Running time: 2 hours (with 20-minute interval)
Ticket price: From R150
Booking platform: Quicket
Venue: The Star Theatre at HCC
Parking available at the parking lot on Caledon Street
Wheelchair accessibility for main stalls
PRODUCTION TEAM
Presented by - Cape Town Theatre Company
Production Manager - Tasneem Karodia
Director - Stephan Fourie
Musical Director - Tersia Harley
Choreographer - Antoinette De Villiers
Adapted by - Stephan Fourie & Hema Maskowitz
Production Designer - DeeJee Kruger
Set Designer - Stephan Fourie
Costume Designer - Kagiso Makgalemele
Lighting Designer - Hema Maskowitz
Puppet Designer -Khalil Visser
CAST
Mary Lennox - Mia-Cecilia Kriel
Mary Lennox - Tessa Bottomley
Dickon - Matt Blerk
Colin Craven - Ray Lester
Colin Craven - Toby De Ruiter
Mrs Medlock - Regina Malan
Ben Weatherstaff - Robert Shenton
Martha - Sarah-Kate Bergstedt
Mrs Sowerby - Jessica Stanley
Mr Craven - Marius Steyn
ENSEMBLE
Aimee Els
Baylen Boer
Clifton Wagenstroom
Daniel Wright
Emily Johnson
Emily Joshua
Jodi Mummery
Joyce Lubbe
Linda Steele
Lorraine Makholiso
Louis Botes
Megan Armstrong-Davies
Taryn Shenton
CREW
Stage Manager – Morag Tison
Production Secretary - Morag Tison
Assistant Stage Manager – Melanie Moses
Marketing Manager - Justin Veldsman
Scenic Artist - Marna Wright
Graphic Designer – Christoff van Wyk
Photographer - Martin Kluge