More than 500 local children were part of Image Music Theatre's production of the Secret Garden performed at the New Theatre Royal on the morning of Tuesday 6 June.
The new adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic story, tells the magical tale of hidden places, personal secrets, revelation and transformation. When the central character Mary, finds herself alone and unwanted in a manor house, it is the simple joy of two moorland children that cause her to change. In turn, when she shares the wonderful secret of her hidden garden, the entire household is brought back to life.
Primary-aged children from Portsmouth Schools participated in the interactive production, singing many of the heart-warming songs, and 8 lucky children were chosen to be part of the on-stage action, rehearsing with the actors before performing as villagers, woodland creatures and flowers.
Later in the day, the Company travelled from the New Theatre Royal to Isambard Brunel Junior School, where they performed The Secret Garden to the entire school.
Sue Beckett, CEO of Portsmouth Music Hub, who brought Image Music Theatre to Portsmouth, said: "Today has been an enriching experience for hundreds of children. Joining in with the songs and being part of a magical production fires up their imagination, and it was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for live theatre."
Image Music Theatre will be back in November for their new production of the classic fairy-tale, Hansel and Gretel.