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REVIEW - THE HIDDEN GARDEN | Z-ARTS MANCHESTER | 21/09/2024

Sarah Monaghan

The hidden garden artwork

All about Theatre four star review

In a world of towering grey buildings, where patches of greenery are often hard to come by, The Hidden Garden blossoms into a vibrant tale of hope, friendship, and transformation. Set in a magical urban garden brimming with life, this children's theatre production is a joyous reminder of how even the smallest spaces can become a sanctuary for growth, kindness, and community. Created during lockdown, this heartwarming show addresses issues like food poverty and the need for community spaces, all while enchanting its young audience with a captivating and uplifting story.


Che Tligui as the Boy Pardip Kumar as the Man playing catch

The tale begins with a curious young boy stumbling upon a secret garden hidden within the city’s concrete jungle. Here, he meets a man who has nurtured this oasis, using it to feed and uplift those facing hunger. As their friendship grows, so does the garden—each new leaf, flower, and vegetable representing the power of compassion and care. The narrative gently explores social issues, like food insecurity and urban isolation, but always remains playful, colourful, and brimming with hope. The Boy and the Man’s unlikely friendship is as much a lesson in nurturing human connections as it is about growing plants, and the audience is invited to join them on this enchanting adventure.


Pardip Kumar as the Man Che Tligui as the Boy with garden tool

The set design is nothing short of magical. Audiences watch in awe as plants spring to life, flowers bloom before their eyes, and peas climb up trellises through ingenious mechanical elements. The seasonal changes are beautifully woven into the fabric of the show, with subtle lighting shifts and shadow play. The use of recycled materials to build the urban garden cleverly aligns with the themes of sustainability and reclaiming space, inspiring audiences to see the beauty in unexpected places.

Costumes are equally delightful, with the Boy’s simple, relatable wardrobe contrasting with the Man’s more earthy, gardener’s garb, further underscoring their unlikely bond. The sound design, composed by Nick Lewis, layers soft garden sounds with whimsical melodies, creating a tranquil yet playful sonic landscape that enhances the storytelling at every turn.


Leann Young as Pigeon pupeteer Pardip Kumar as the Man Che Tligui as the Boy feeding the pigeon

The performances are truly the heart of The Hidden Garden. Pardip Kumar’s portrayal of the kind yet world-weary Man is both touching and believable, capturing the audience’s sympathy with his quiet dedication to the garden and those who need it. Ché Tligui’s performance as the Boy is full of curiosity, wonder, and just the right amount of cheekiness to make children giggle with delight. Their chemistry is what grounds this story of magic and hope, with their growing friendship a beautiful metaphor for the way we nurture not only our gardens but each other.

Special mention goes to Kathleen Yore’s puppetry, which adds an extra layer of charm and wonder. Whether it’s a bird fluttering overhead or a cheeky pigeon sneaking through the garden, these small touches bring the natural world into the performance in a way that feels organic and joyful.


Che Tligui as the Boy Pardip Kumar as the Man eating

The Hidden Garden is a blooming triumph of imagination and heart, it's a celebration of how we can come together to create something beautiful out of the barest of surroundings. With its inventive use of mechanics, charming performances, and uplifting story, it not only entertains but also inspires children and their grown-ups to rethink the spaces around them. This is a show that plants seeds of hope and kindness, ensuring they’ll bloom long after the final curtain call. Perfect for families, and especially for those wanting to teach children about the power of community, this production will leave everyone walking out with a smile—and perhaps a desire to start their own little hidden garden.



For more information about the show and to discover the venues it will be visiting, please click the button below to access the official website of the show.





Photo Credit - Nathan Towers


*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review







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