York Theatre Royal has unveiled a major revival of “The Secret Garden — The Musical,” with Tony Award-winning director John Doyle set to helm the production.
The musical, featuring music by Lucy Simon and book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman, marks a homecoming for Doyle, who served as artistic director of York Theatre Royal from 1993 to 1997.
Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel, “The Secret Garden” premiered on Broadway at the St. James Theatre in 1991 to critical acclaim, earning three Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards. The story follows newly orphaned Mary Lennox, who is sent to live with her widower uncle at the secluded Misselthwaite Manor in North Yorkshire in 1906. There, she discovers her Aunt Lily’s mysterious, neglected garden and learns the power of connection and nature’s restorative magic.
The production will feature a cast of actor-musicians. Doyle won Tony Awards for directing “Sweeney Todd” and “Company,” and earned a Tony for best revival of a m usical for “The Color Purple.” His extensive credits span theater, film and opera, with recent work including the world premiere of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” at Theatre Royal Bath.
Norman, who received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play “‘night, Mother,” won both Tony and Drama Desk Awards for her book for “The Secret Garden.” Composer Lucy Simon, a Grammy winner, earned Tony and Drama Desk nominations for the musical’s original score.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to York Theatre Royal and equally thrilled to be directing this beautiful, hopeful musical,” Doyle said.
Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royal, added: “It is wonderful to have John Doyle return to York Theatre Royal and direct this beautiful Yorkshire story. We are excited that this will be a fresh take on this critically acclaimed musical, and that our audiences will be the first to experience it.”
The production follows York Theatre Royal’s upcoming world premiere of Debbie Isitt’s “Military Wives — The Musical,” set to open this fall. “The Secret Garden” will run March 17-April 4, 2026,
