The Secret Garden musical reveals cast for major UK revival

Exclusive: Casting has been announced for a revival of The Secret Garden – The Musical.

Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic, the story follows the newly orphaned Mary Lennox, who is sent to live on the moors with her widower uncle and discovers Aunt Lily’s mysterious yet neglected garden.

Featuring music by Lucy Simon and book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, the original Broadway production premiered in 1991, winning three Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards.

This new revival will be directed and designed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, who returns to York Theatre Royal, where he served as artistic director from 1993 to 1997.

It will be performed by a company of actor-musicians. Leading the cast are Catrin Mai Edwards (12) as Martha, Joanna Hickman (Harold and Maude) as Lily, Henry Jenkinson (Player Kings) as Archibald, Elliot Mackenzie (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) as Dickon, Ann Marcuson (Two Ladies) as Mrs Winthrop, Elizabeth Marsh (The Threepenny Opera) as Mrs Medlock, André Refig (The Hypochondriac) as Neville, and Steve Simmonds (Alice in Wonderland) as Ben.

Estella Evans (Matilda The Musical) and Poppy Jason (Les Misérables) will share the role of Mary Lennox, while Cristian Buttaci (The Witches) and Dexter Pulling (Mary Page Marlowe) will share the role of Colin. The ensemble is completed by Stephanie Cremona (Cinderella: A Fairytale), Matthew James Hinchliffe (Amélie), Lara Lewis (Calamity Jane), and Melinda Orengo (Precipice).

Completing the creative team are Catherine Jayes (musical supervisor and orchestrator), David L Arsenault (co-designer), Gabrielle Dalton (costume designer), Johanna Town (lighting designer), Tom Marshall (sound designer), and Ginny Schiller (casting director).

Doyle said: “It’s such a privilege to bring the story of The Secret Garden back to its Yorkshire roots and to bring it to life on the York Theatre Royal stage with the support of this wonderful creative team. We have an immensely talented cast of actor-musicians on board, and I can’t wait to start rehearsals next month.”

Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royal, added, “…This will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the spring season here at York Theatre Royal, and we are looking forward to York audiences experiencing this new take on such a beloved musical.”

The Secret Garden opens at York Theatre Royal on 19 March 2026, with previews from 17 March. It plays until 4 April.