July 14-15 – Beach House Grounds (Worthing), 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

July 16 – Denmans Garden, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Producer Frances Livesey said: “Tom’s Midnight Garden, Philippa Pearce’s classic tale about the boy who wakes up to a world of adventure when a mysterious grandfather clock strikes 13, has been a reader’s favorite since its premiere. published over half a century ago. Now, for the first time, the story will be told through ballet, touring some of the UK’s most beautiful and famous gardens this summer.

“This new open-air, Covid-safe production went on tour at the end of June, with the show running until early August. Sussex destinations include the highly regarded Southover Grange Gardens in Lewes, the Italian Gardens of Eastbourne and the Michelham Priory of the Sussex Archeological Society, among others.

Frances added, “Tom’s Midnight Garden is an unforgettable story from so many of our childhoods. It’s just one of those stories that we fall in love with over and over again.

“But we have rarely seen adaptations in ancient gardens, similar to those which inspired the novel by Philippa Pearce. Plus, the story, from its epic climbs to the ever-memorable scene where Tom and Hatty skate through the Frozen Fens, seems almost made for ballet – and yet has never been told through dance before. So it looks like a really special project.

The production tells the story of Tom Long, a young boy exiled to his aunt and uncle’s apartment while his brother recovers from measles. Stuck inside with only his aunt and uncle for company and no garden to play in, Tom fears his vacation may be doomed.

However, as he stays awake at night and hears Grandpa’s old clock ringing oddly 13, the dark building reveals a host of enchanting secrets full of magic and adventure.

Tom’s Midnight Garden has already been adapted for cinema in the 1999 film directed by Willard Carroll, as well as on television in 1968, 1974 and 1988 by the BBC and for the stage in 2001 by David Wood.

“The show is perfect for children of all ages, but also for adults. It’s a show designed to be loved regardless of your age, ”Frances said. “And it’s also a celebration of the spaces in which we play. Michelham Priory, for example, is a fabulous example of an English country garden, featuring a moat, expansive lawns and beautifully landscaped flower beds.

Frankly Speaking Productions’ desire to continue helping move the performing arts industry forward safely despite the coronavirus pandemic led to a successful Hans Christian Andersen Frozen ballet tour in the winter of 2020. .

“Now, as life slowly returns to a sense of normalcy, Frankly Speaking seeks to reintroduce audiences to the joy of the performing arts and bring people together with the magic of one of the most famous children’s literature pieces. of Great Britain. “

All performances are secured against Covid and strictly follow government guidelines. Tickets at www.frankly Speakingproductions.co.uk.