A charming and magical multi-media experience of the classic book
for families to enjoy together
The much-loved family classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden, is brought to life in a unique and thrilling experience this May half-term by Wizard Presents in partnership with Oxford Playhouse and Watford Palace Theatre. Special Secret Garden Experience boxes filled with surprises and activities will be delivered to the doors of families for them to discover and rediscover this engaging story through an interactive and multi-sensory experience.
The experience, by Wizard Presents and based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the story of a young girl, Mary Lennox, who leaves India to live with her uncle in Yorkshire. It includes a series of audio episodes, performed by Danyah Miller (I Believe in Unicorns OP 2021), telling the story, with soundscape and music by composer Arun Ghosh. Online digital content includes games, augmented reality and hands-on activities from clay-modelling and skipping games to bee house building and writing a letter to a friend.
This unique theatrical intergenerational experience is an interactive blend of audio, physical and digital experiences that can be enjoyed entirely from home. It encompasses eight gripping podcast episodes, a beautifully crafted ‘Secret Box’ delivered direct to letterboxes containing eight activities related to each episode of the story, together with a key. The key, which adults are encouraged to hide at home or in an outdoor space for children to discover, unlocks exclusive and magical digital content, including online games, challenges and augmented reality features on the experience website www.thesecretgardenexperience.co.uk
Families are encouraged to enjoy the eight episodes and accompanying activities together, daily over half term. The timeless classic is adapted and spoken by Wizard Presents Artistic Director, Danyah Miller. Everything you need will arrive in the post in time for the start of the holiday by 31 May. Three lucky families will find a golden key in their box and will receive an extra prize of family tickets to the Oxford Playhouse pantomime, Robin Hood.
Wizard Presents created the Secret Garden Experience in response to the pandemic cutting short their theatrical tour of the show in 2020, finding a new way to tell the story. The boxes, designed by theatre designer Kate Bunce, use eco-friendly materials.
An accompanying In Conversation series for adults features Danyah Miller with special guests including Hodgson Burnett biographer Anne Thwaite and the Clinical Director of bereavement charity Cruse, Andy Garland. Together they delve deeper into some of the issues raised in the story that affect society today.
Artistic Director Danyah Miller says “We are so proud to have developed this ambitious project over the past year, inspired by nature, family and friendship. It fulfils our vision to share the highest quality stories and storytelling to inspire families and communities everywhere in a glorious and unique way.”
The project was first developed when the producers had to pull the planned live production of The Secret Garden, which was in rehearsal when theatres had to close at the start of the pandemic. The production pivoted and, utilising the creative process started with the live production, became a digitally driven project. By bringing Manchester based digital arts agency idontloveyouanymore, who specialise in VR, AR, and performative video technology, the project expanded and was able to come to fruition using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The story of The Secret Garden has taken on a particular relevance in light of the pandemic. Some of the main themes in the story, which was written over 100 years ago, are especially pertinent to living in Covid times. The story explores the importance of emotional wellbeing, the environment and the healing power of nature and how education is crucial to re-examining the historical context of the story. The Secret Garden Experience provides multiple layers for families to explore together as the nation comes out of lockdown, individually at home, or remotely with friends and relatives of all ages.
A Pay it Forward scheme also offers bookers an option to add an extra £10 to the cost of a Secret Garden Experience to help provide the same Experience for someone who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
Tickets for The Secret Garden Experience from The Oxford Playhouse start at £25 and are available from the Ticket Office on 01865 305305 or book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com.