Arts of the UK 2021: The Secret Garden Experience by Wizard Presents

LONDON – Wizard Presents is creating 2,000 special Secret Garden boxes filled with surprises, activities and the well-loved story of 10 year old Mary Lennox leaving India and coming to the UK to live with her uncle on the Yorkshire moors. The experience incorporates serialised audio episodes telling the story, with soundscape and original music composed by Arun Ghosh, digital content on the websites including games and augmented reality, plus hands on activities including clay modelling, skipping games, making a bee house and writing a letter to a friend or relative. And it all begins when you find the first secret key…

Families are encouraged to enjoy the eight episodes and accompanying activities together daily over half term, in an intergenerational experience designed for the unusual pandemic times of 2021. Everything you need will arrive in the post in time for the start date of 31st May, and all the materials used in making the boxes are eco-friendly.

Additionally 3 lucky families will find an extra golden key in their box, to receive an extra prize – either family tickets to the panto at Oxford Playhouse or Watford Palace Theatre, or a Wizard Presents hamper of goodies.

An accompanying In Conversation series for adults features Danyah Miller speaking to special guests connected to The Secret Garden and its key themes to delve deeper into some of the issues raised in the story that are effecting society. These include Frances Hodgson Burnett’s biographer, Anne Thwaite, and Clinical Director of bereavement charity Cruse, Andy Garland.

Artistic director Danyah Miller said:“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.”

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 share the story. The company creates inspiring and compelling productions for all ages.

Find out more about The Secret Garden Experience here