Interview: Elizabeth Marsh on THE SECRET GARDEN - THE MUSICAL at York Theatre Royal
Tony Award-winning musical The Secret Garden is coming to York Theatre Royal this March, in its first major UK staging in over a decade. Directed by John Doyle and brought to life by a cast of actor-musicians, this timeless story of love, loss, healing and hope will be embracing its Yorkshire roots. We talked to Elizabeth Marsh, who plays Mrs Medlock, to find out more.
What made you want to be part of this production of The Secret Garden?
I have worked with director John Doyle many times and his rehearsal room really is my ‘happy place’. I always feel his process feeds the creative soul, so always jump at the chance to do any production of his. In addition, The Secret Garden is a lovely book which I remember reading as a child.
How will you be interpreting the character of Mrs Medlock?
Exploring who she is in rehearsals is a treat. She’s a practical, no-nonsense woman, kept busy running the household for a joyless, complicated man. Like everyone else, her life is upended by the arrival of young Mary.
What do you think makes a show featuring actor-musicians so exciting?
I think it’s the nature of the storytelling. It’s honest, delightfully creative and collaborative, and is pure theatre. There’s nothing traditionally naturalistic about it, it can be unexpected, but it speaks deeply to the truth of humanity.
Can you talk us through how you prepare for a performance night?
Ideally a good night’s sleep the night before. Plenty of fluids and good nutrition during the day to fuel the performance and help look after the body and brain, and especially the voice. I arrive at the theatre early and warm up both physically (I personally like a combination of Pilates and yoga) and vocally. Then my instruments also need warming up and tuning. A check in with the rest of the cast is important, making sure no-one has any issues, then a company warm-up and perhaps a run through of a musical number to wake up our listening skills. Just before beginners is called, I like some quiet time to myself to help focus. Finally, a big outbreath to help ground me and then we’re off on an adventure!
Are there any other classic books you'd love to see turned into musicals?
Ooh, that’s an excellent question, and I am drawn to suggesting Excellent Women by Barbara Pym. Set in the 1950s, with a female protagonist, it’s a delightfully warm and witty, yet poignant tale of a woman who hasn’t automatically fallen into the role of wife/mother, which was fairly unusual for the time. How she responds to the events of the story and the other beautifully drawn characters is fun and not cliché. I think it would make a splendid, intimate musical.
The Secret Garden plays at York Theatre Royal from 17 March - 4 April, with further info here.