FOLLOWING rave reviews of the Barn Theatre’s inaugural production of The Secret Garden, the brand new Cirencester-based theatre has announced that it will extend the musical’s run until April 28.

The folk inspired, actor-musician interpretation of the classic Broadway musical, directed by Dominic Shaw, opened in early March and has received accolades from across the board.

This Country’s Daisy May Cooper said: "The best show I’ve ever seen in my entire life… I was so moved. Why go to London when you can come to Cirencester."

And Jackie Llewellyn Bowen said of the show: “I was absolutely spell bound, I can’t wait to come and see absolutely every production here. The exuberance, the energy, the talent. I had tears in my eyes. To be able to come somewhere locally – it’s going to lift the town, it’s a wonderful thing.”

The Barn Theatre plans to follows up its first in-house success with Simon Stephens’ play One Minute. Opening on May 18, the play marks the directorial debut of the Barn Theatre’s 29 year old artistic director, Iwan Lewis.

He said:“We are in the process of creating a truly extraordinary theatrical venue in the heart of the Cotswolds. Our aim is to draw in diverse audiences from all over the country and to share with them remarkable theatre in all its forms.

"With the additional advantages of a purpose built education suite and Teatro, our 50 seat onsite restaurant and piano bar, we hope to be able to offer a complete destination theatre experience as well as a comprehensive range of educational programmes onsite.”

The Barn Theatre has been funded by businessman and local resident, Ian Carling and his wife Chrissie. Ian embarked on the renovation of the theatre in 2015 alongside Iwan, with the joint vision of creating a lasting legacy for accessible professional theatre in the area alongside a commitment to delivering high quality youth theatre and education, and community outreach.

The theatre has received tremendous industry support in the run-up to its opening, with high profile ambassadors including actors James Dreyfus, Matthew Kelly, Heida Reed, Daisy May Cooper and Broadway director Jerry Mitchell lending their support to the project’s ambitious aims.

* Visit barntheatre.org.uk for tickets for The Secret Garden.