Hidden deep within the sprawling grounds of Misselthwaite Manor lies a garden long forgotten—locked away, overgrown, and wrapped in mystery. When the curious and determined Mary Lennox stumbles upon the long‑lost key, she unlocks far more than an abandoned space. She sets in motion a powerful journey of renewal, friendship, and hope.
Among those changed is Colin Craven, a boy who has grown up believing he is too weak to stand and too unlovable to be seen. Isolated in his room and overshadowed by fear, his world has never stretched beyond the walls around him—until the garden calls him out into the open.
As Mary and Colin step into this extraordinary place—bursting with colour, dancing leaves, and the joyful whisper of life returning—they begin to transform. With every visit, the garden becomes their sanctuary: a place where strength grows, confidence blooms, and courage takes root.
The Secret Garden is a celebration of nature’s healing power, the bravery found in friendship, and the miracles that unfold when we allow ourselves to open the gate to something new.
This production offers rich, heartfelt roles for performers who are excited to bring warmth, whimsy, and emotional depth to the stage.
Come along to the Preview Evening, meet the team and find out more!
We are a self-funding, friendly, supportive and inclusive group of mainly adults. We encourage new members to join us and ‘have a go’!
Rehearsals are held mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7.00pm and 9.30pm at either The Friends Meeting House in Beccles or Burgh St Peter Village Hall and run for approximately four to five months for each show.
During the pandemic, Spotlight saw a decline in both membership numbers and finances. Since then, we have struggled to afford to present full musicals on the big stage and therefore, sadly, we had to move away from the Public Hall Theatre in Beccles and use smaller halls to present more affordable shows and ‘Murder Mystery’ evenings. The Committee and members of the group have worked tirelessly to rebuild the membership and vital funds, through lots of social fundraising events, and are delighted to have been able to make a return to the Public Hall in 2025. Spotlight hope to continue to build on this positive step and return to presenting full musicals annually for many years to come. Thanks must go to the local community for supporting us!
Following the 2018 Annual General Meeting, it was unanimously agreed that Spotlight will diversify by staging the occasional “Non-Musical Play”. Our constitution and rules have been amended as such. This opens up further opportunities for the Group to expand its choice of future productions, to fill a gap in the local area.
Spotlight production awards and nominations, in the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA) Eastern Region, District 6, have been as follows:
2025 Dorothy in Wonderland – nominated and awarded Best Technical Production. Directed by Charlotte Taylor-Hughes, musical direction by Adam Kellingray-Williamson and choreography by Clare Morrison.
2022 ‘Allo ‘Allo – nominated for Noda Best Drama. Directed by Charlotte Taylor and Assistant Director Mary Snow.
2019 No Sex Please, We’re British! – nominated for Best Drama. Directed by Andy Osborne and Co-Director Mary Snow.
2018 Scrooge – nominated for Best Musical. Directed & Choreographed by Clare Morrison. Rehearsal pianist and guidance – John Mondon.
2017 The Who’s Quadrophenia – nominated for Best Musical and winner of the NODA Standing Ovation Award. Directed by Andy Osborne with co-musical direction by Brian Parker and Simon Howe.
2015 The Who’s Tommy – nominated for Best Musical and Best Technical award. Directed by Andy Osborne with co-musical direction by Cheryll Titchmarsh and Simon Howe.
2008 Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story – nominated and awarded Best Musical and Best Overall Production. Directed by Natalie Miller with musical direction by Cheryll Titchmarsh.
2006 The Hired Man – nominated and awarded Best Production. Directed by Tina Vanston with musical direction by Cheryll Titchmarsh.
2001 Fiddler on the Roof – nominated and awarded Best Production. Directed by Tina Vanston with musical direction by Cheryll Titchmarsh.
In 1994, the first show was born, ‘Gigi’ and there began our commitment and promise for the future. Since those humble beginnings we have grown in strength and number and now have a strong membership of all ages. Spotlight is now firmly established in the Waveney Valley, attracting people from far and wide to come and support our two productions each year.
Following the 2018 Annual General Meeting, it was unanimously agreed that Spotlight will diversify by staging the occasional “Non-Musical Play”. Our constitution and rules have been amended as such. This opens up further opportunities for the Group to expand its choice of future productions, to fill a gap in the local area.
Spotlight production awards and nominations, in the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA) Eastern Region, District 6, have been as follows:
2022 ‘Allo ‘Allo – nominated for Noda Best Drama. Directed by Charlotte Taylor and Assistant Director Mary Snow.
2019 No Sex Please, We’re British! – nominated for Best Drama. Directed by Andy Osborne and Co-Director Mary Snow.
2018 Scrooge – nominated for Best Musical. Directed & Choreographed by Clare Morrison. Rehearsal pianist and guidance – John Mondon.
2017 The Who’s Quadrophenia – nominated for Best Musical and winner of the NODA Standing Ovation Award. Directed by Andy Osborne with co-musical direction by Brian Parker and Simon Howe.
2015 The Who’s Tommy – nominated for Best Musical and Best Technical award. Directed by Andy Osborne with co-musical direction by Cheryll Titchmarsh and Simon Howe.
2008 Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story – nominated and awarded Best Musical and Best Overall Production. Directed by Natalie Miller with musical direction by Cheryll Titchmarsh.
2006 The Hired Man – nominated and awarded Best Production. Directed by Tina Vanston with musical direction by Cheryll Titchmarsh.
2001 Fiddler on the Roof – nominated and awarded Best Production. Directed by Tina Vanston with musical direction by Cheryll Titchmarsh.