THE Courtyard Theatre in Hereford has revealed that a TV actor, with credits including Downton Abbey, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, will star in its production of the classic novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Performed by professional actors, alongside local community and youth theatre cast, the play will be a retelling of the classic coming-of-age story which follows protagonist Mary as she discovers a secret garden.

The Courtyard has revealed that Matthew Canny, a TV actor who has appeared in popular shows including Downton Abbey, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, will be joining the cast as Archibald Craven and Edward Lennox.

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Speaking about working with a mix of professional and amateur actors, director David Durant said: "It's deeply rewarding and humbling at the same time. Having a mixture brings a lot of laughter and fun as everyone is there to learn, create and ultimately focus on the end product.

"This process is as much about the final production as it is about the learning and passing on of skills."

The Secret Garden will be on at the Courtyard's main house from October 3 to 7, and tickets can be bought from the box office on 01432 340555.