Frances Hodgson Burnett's story of how Mary Lennox turns lives around when she arrives at her uncle's house in Yorkshire straight from India, is still a powerful tale. It shows that self-belief and kindness to others can take you a long way. With the aid of an ingenious set, the audience is transported between the interior of Misselthwaite Manor and the garden several times. The inspired creation of wired sculptures brings the creatures of the outdoors to vibrant life. Marcus Robinson, take a bow. The play revolves around Mary, a child fresh from the Indian Raj, her English cousin Colin, who's never felt sunshine on his skin because he's been raised as an invalid, and their maid's brother Dickon, a natural with all kinds of wild animals and birds. Together they resurrect Mary's uncle's walled garden, which has been left to wither and die since Colin's mother fell from a tree there, causing her death. 'Charmingly presented'How Mary finds her way into the locked and neglected area, and how the trio begin to re-awaken the garden is sparingly written, easy to understand and charmingly presented. Sarah Whiteman plays the rude and arrogant Mary to perfection, softening as she learns the Yorkshire dialect and way of doing things. Much of this is down to Dickon, played by Rory St Quintin, with a good-natured friendliness. Solid performancesBijan Aresteh is the spoilt Colin, used to having the servants at his beck and call, and the one who has furthest to travel in attitude. It makes the final transformation even more impressive when it comes. Chloe Burt's mastery of the Yorkshire brogue is to be admired, as is Elva Pryal's straight-backed housekeeper Mrs Medlock, and Paul Stimpson's realisation of the gardener Ben Weatherstaff is proof enough that scenes can be stolen, even when it's just a case of a few words. If you enjoyed the BBC Sunday afternoon serials, this early 20th Century tale comes from the same stable. I think director Peter Sowerbutts has done a good job. Recommended for young readers everywhere. The Secret Garden runs at The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich, until 2 January, 2007. | 
