The Director of this production is Courtney Fayle
Courtney discovered her passion for acting and directing at a young age, spending nearly every family holiday forcing her siblings and cousins to learn Disney musical numbers. Now, many years later, she gets to do it for a living and with willing participants! After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a BFA in Theatre Management and Promotions, Courtney was made the Managing Director of SouthWisco KidStage for 3 years before moving to England in 2014 and becoming a freelance drama facilitator with a variety of different youth theatre programmes. That work eventually led her to Light UP where she's been for the last 11 years and is now serving as the charity's Executive Director. Over the past 15 years of directing youth theatre, there are lots of standout productions but one of the greatest joys has been creating a strong collaborative partnership with Maskers who are aligned in our mission of fostering a supportive environment for young performers and technicians to build confidence, develop a varied skillset and form lasting friendships through the arts. Among her many producing and directing credits, is the 2023 co-production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe which was our first time joining forces with Maskers and we can't wait to do it again as we head into The Secret Garden.
Musical Director, Composer, & Musician for this production is Juliette Ribi
Juliette studied Music at Anglia Polytechnic University where she was also on stage for music-based productions. She has worked in the teaching and music teaching profession for over 25 years, played for amateur dramatics and is a Music Worship Leader. Having first created, adapted and performed live music for Maskers’ productions of Northanger Abbey and Merry Maskerade in 2025, Juliette has really enjoyed composing for The Secret Garden and is looking forward to seeing both play and music mould together.
Composer & Musician for this production is Jed Brown
Jed has returned to the stage for the first time since A level theatre studies to rediscover the joy of performance. Jed played the co-lead role as Eddy in Blood Brothers. More recently he has been pursuing music as his creative outlet.
There will be two casts for this production. "Lilacs" will perform on 27th & 28th June, and 3rd & 4th July. "Marigolds" will perform on 26th June, and 1st, 2nd, & 5th July.
Lilacs
Mary Lennox is played by Sophie
Sophie is looking forward to her first Maskers’ performance. She loves the story of The Secret Garden and is excited to have the opportunity to play Mary. She is 10 years old and in Year 6. She has done performances at school and has been in 3 shows at the Romsey Plaza - Grouchy in Snow White, Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life and Sylvia in The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. She has just achieved her Grade 5 LAMDA Acting award. Sophie is a keen baker, a self-confessed bookworm, and loves playing football.
Colin Craven is played by Angeline
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Adesh / Deer is played by Madeline Cope
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Mrs. Lennox is played by Jenni Prior
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Officer is played by Jed Brown
Jed has returned to the stage for the first time since A level theatre studies to rediscover the joy of performance. Jed played the co-lead role as Eddy in Blood Brothers. More recently he has been pursuing music as his creative outlet.
Captain is played by Kevin Butler
This is Kevin’s first production with Maskers and Light UP Drama. He is very excited about this opportunity as he is a fan of both groups. Kevin has been involved with amateur dramatics for many years having been a member of many different groups in and around Southampton. He enjoys writing, directing but above all performing. In this production, he has had both the opportunity to help back stage and perform with his daughter, which has pleased him enormously.
Lieutanent / Ben is played by Duncan Randall
Duncan is involved in various community theatre groups in Southampton. Duncan joined the Maskers 2022, playing Athos in The Three Musketeers. Since then, he has appeared in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Gormenghast, Time and Tide, Blithe Spirit, Murder in the Studio, Romeo and Juliet, Blue Remembered Hills, Absurd Person Singular, and most recently, Desire Under the Elms. Duncan has enjoyed bringing the outside into the studio alongside tending to his own garden, no secret about that!
Mrs. Medlock is played by Allegra Carlton
Allegra is a displaced Yorkshirewoman who has been living in Southampton for many decades, for all of which she has been involved in theatre as actor, musician, wardrobe mistress, and now dialect coach! She has been involved in a range of Maskers' productions and her most recent acting role was as Vera in the Maskers' production of Sharks in the Custard, rehearsing remotely from Yorkshire during lockdown! She is delighted to be playing the role of Mrs Medlock, the housekeeper, in what was one of her favourite childhood books.
Archibald Craven is played by Neil Maddock
Neil has toured the UK and worked in NZ for different theatre companies and is now enjoying being part of the local theatre scene!
Neil's previous roles with Maskers include Aslan (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), Hugh Evans (Merry Wives of Windsor), and Henry Tilney (Northanger Abbey). Elsewhere, he has played Jesus (Southampton and Havant Passion plays), the Ghost of Christmas Present (A Christmas Carol), Nathan Detroit (Guys & Dolls), and, most recently, Henry Higgins (My Fair Lady).
Mrs. Craven / Crow is played by Angela Raistrick
This is Angela's third production with Maskers, having previously appeared in Merry Maskerade and The Scottish Play. Angela studied Performing Arts at college and has been performing from a young age, first appearing dancing as a sugarplum in The Nutcracker aged just three and being involved in junior performances at the Nuffield Theatre. Later this year she is breaking out into directing with 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Robin is played by Harriet
Harriet is grateful for the wonderful opportunity to play the role of Robin in such a lovable show with an even more lovable cast. She had previously been in Light UP and Maskers collaborations, such as playing young Jane in Jane Eyre and Mrs Beaver in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She hopes the audience have as much fun watching as everyone does performing!
Martha is played by Tess
Previous roles include Angel in Ride or Die, Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Miranda in The Tempest, Dora in Five Children and It, Zeke in The Wizard of Oz, Lucy in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Calico Jackie in Treasure Island, Duffy in Annie, and other productions.
Dickon is played by Marlowe
Marlowe is 15 years old. This is his first time working with adult actors for a few years and he’s really looking forward to it! Marlowe has been doing youth theatre with Light Up for the last 6 years and some of his recent roles include: the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland, Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Ace Allstar in Ride or Die. He is very fond of fish and chips.
Rabbit / Annie is played by Evie
This is Evie's third production alongside Maskers, having also appeared in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Jane Eyre. Having attended Light UP classes since 4 years of age, Evie has built a large list of credits including Suessified Christmas Carol, Fairy Tale Courtroom, Annie Kids, Snow Almost White, Bump Off, High School Musical Jr, Peter Pan, Matilda Jr, Five Children and It, A Grimm Gathering, Frozen Jr, Alice in Wonderland, and, most recently, A Midsummer Night's Dream. She wishes to thank everyone involved for this great experience and hopes you enjoy the show!
Lamb / Basil is played by Willow
Willow Fay has been a performer with Light UP for nearly ten years appearing in many shows, most recently playing the role of Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is excited to be acting in her second Light UP/Maskers co-production. She loves the story of The Secret Garden and is especially excited to be performing with her father! Willow is loving the opportunity to develop puppetry skills and being part of a troupe of community players bringing this wonderful story to Maskers’ stage.
Marigolds
Mary Lennox is played by Maia
Maia has been going to Light Up for 6 years and this is her 2nd production with Maskers, (the other being The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). Some of her other drama performances include, Hairspray, High School Musical, Annie, Alice in Wonderland, Five Children and It, The Great British Bump Off, Grim Gathering, Fairytale Courtroom, Peter Pan, Snow Almost White, A Suessified Christmas Carol, and more. She can't wait to perform in The Secret Garden and would like thank everyone who has helped with the show.
Colin Craven is played by William
William has loved being a part of the Light Up community for over 4 years, performing on stage and making friends off stage. He has enjoyed playing various roles in productions including The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Five Children and It, The Signalman and The Fourth Wall. He is excited to once again be performing with Maskers Theatre Company as Colin in The Secret Garden.
Adesh / Deer is played by Madeline Cope
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Mrs. Lennox is played by Jenni Prior
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Officer is played by Jed Brown
Jed has returned to the stage for the first time since A level theatre studies to rediscover the joy of performance. Jed played the co-lead role as Eddy in Blood Brothers. More recently he has been pursuing music as his creative outlet.
Captain is played by Kevin Butler
This is Kevin’s first production with Maskers and Light UP Drama. He is very excited about this opportunity as he is a fan of both groups. Kevin has been involved with amateur dramatics for many years having been a member of many different groups in and around Southampton. He enjoys writing, directing but above all performing. In this production, he has had both the opportunity to help back stage and perform with his daughter, which has pleased him enormously.
Lieutanent / Ben is played by Duncan Randall
Duncan is involved in various community theatre groups in Southampton. Duncan joined the Maskers 2022, playing Athos in The Three Musketeers. Since then, he has appeared in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Gormenghast, Time and Tide, Blithe Spirit, Murder in the Studio, Romeo and Juliet, Blue Remembered Hills, Absurd Person Singular and most recently, Desire Under the Elms. Duncan has enjoyed bringing the outside into the studio alongside tending to his own garden, no secret about that!
Mrs. Medlock is played by Allegra Carlton
Allegra is a displaced Yorkshirewoman who has been living in Southampton for many decades, for all of which she has been involved in theatre as actor, musician, wardrobe mistress, and now dialect coach! She has been involved in a range of Maskers' productions and her most recent acting role was as Vera in the Maskers' production of Sharks in the Custard, rehearsing remotely from Yorkshire during lockdown! She is delighted to be playing the role of Mrs Medlock, the housekeeper, in what was one of her favourite childhood books.
Archibald Craven is played by Neil Maddock
Neil has toured the UK and worked in NZ for different theatre companies and is now enjoying being part of the local theatre scene!
Neil's previous roles with Maskers include Aslan (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), Hugh Evans (Merry Wives of Windsor), and Henry Tilney (Northanger Abbey). Elsewhere, he has played Jesus (Southampton and Havant Passion plays), the Ghost of Christmas Present (A Christmas Carol), Nathan Detroit (Guys & Dolls), and, most recently, Henry Higgins (My Fair Lady).
Mrs. Craven / Crow is played by Angela Raistrick
This is Angela's third production with Maskers, having previously appeared in Merry Maskerade and The Scottish Play. Angela studied Performing Arts at college and has been performing from a young age, first appearing dancing as a sugarplum in The Nutcracker aged just three and being involved in junior performances at the Nuffield Theatre. Later this year she is breaking out into directing with 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Robin is played by Sophia
Sophia is beyond excited to work with this supportive cast. Robin is her first role working with puppetry and she is looking forward to bringing the Robin to life. Sophia is grateful for this opportunity of working with Maskers Theatre for the third time. Previously she has performed in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Jane Eyre.
Martha is played by Poppy
Poppy looks forward to playing Martha in this production of The Secret Garden alongside the wonderful cast who have all worked very hard together to produce this show. She has been acting for nearly 10 years and has previously played many fun roles at Light UP, including Wendy in Peter Pan, The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland and Susan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in collaboration with Maskers. Poppy is beyond excited to perform and hopes that you enjoy the full immersion into the magic of The Secret Garden.
Dickon is played by Dani
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Rabbit / Annie is played by Bethany
Bethany has been a member of Light UP for 2 and a half years, thoroughly enjoying the chance to take part in Five Children and It, and Alice in Wonderland as full company productions.
Bethany has enjoyed rehearsing a production as part of an amazing cast with adults and children working alongside each other. She has enjoyed learning about puppetry and can’t wait to perform in The Secret Garden.
Lamb / Basil is played by Rebekah
Rebekah has performed with Light UP for ten years. Previous roles include: Narrator's sister in The Signalman, Narrator 1/Soldier 2 in Fourth Wall, and Doodads in Five Children and It. Rebekah is excited to join the Maskers for this production and to try her hand at puppetry.
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