A child’s first visit to the theatre is very important. It must connect them to the magic of a story acted out: entrancing and magical in turn, engaging them in a world that will give them future years of pleasure.

Angel Exit have taken this responsibility seriously. Their production of a remarkably faithful adaptation of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells of Mary Lennox, travelling from her privileged Indian home to the mysterious Yorkshire estate of her distant, grief-stricken uncle. The story of her journey from frozen, terrified child to generous spirited young women via the homely support of Martha the maid and the creative power of nature is balanced equally in this production.

Original music and an intriguing use of sound effects, creative transformation of the heavy furniture into gorgeous garden and ingenious puppets – robin and fox, mean there is always something to engage the younger child.

Mixing crystal clear characterisations by this exceptional cast and delightful ensemble work by the Dorchester Arts Centre youth theatre, talented director and adaptor Tamsin Fessey follows the first rule of theatre for young people -maintaining pace with clarity of narrative.

The performances by all the cast are extremely good, Lynne Forbes is wonderful as Martha, Ashleigh Cheadle is a real find to play Mary – a part she might have been born for, and special mention must be made of the versatile Simon Carroll Jones as both Colin and Mrs Medlock. Max Macintosh is a perfect Dickon, rooted in the earth and Henry Douthwaite fills the parts of Ben Weatherstaff and Archibald Craven with conviction, and is most moving when his dead wife sends him a message to return to Yorkshire.

The future of theatre lies in its audiences and Angel Exit have done sterling work in this imaginative and exciting production – the Arts Council and all their funders should feel proud that this production has planted seeds that will grow into future theatre goers.

Margie Barbour is the Programme Manager at Bridport Arts Centre.

This performance was held by Dorchester Arts and took place at the Corn Exchange Dorchester on Thursday 5 January 2012, for a list of venues and dates for the full tour please see here: http://www.angelexit.co.uk/productions/index.html