Miss Myrtle’s Garden – Bush Theatre

Miss Myrtle’s Garden is a powerful and moving production that delicately explores the emotional terrain of memory, love, and loss. Centered around Miss Myrtle and the people closest to her, the story subtly but poignantly addresses themes of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Without ever explicitly naming the illness, the play allows the audience to experience the disorientation, warmth, and heartbreak that come with it.

Diveen Henry gives a remarkable performance as Miss Myrtle. Her portrayal is layered and deeply human—she shifts effortlessly from moments of sharp wit to bouts of confusion and vulnerability. Her relationship with her late husband Melrose is the emotional core of the play. Mensah Bediako brings grace and gentle charm to the role of Melrose, and his onstage chemistry with Henry is undeniable. Their scenes together—full of laughter, dancing, tension, and tenderness—beautifully capture the complexities of a long-term relationship. The realisation that Melrose is no longer alive, and that these scenes are a product of Miss Myrtle’s mind, makes their connection all the more heartbreaking.

The staging is minimal but incredibly effective. A small circular garden filled with soil and flowers sits at the center of the stage, representing both Miss Myrtle’s world and the memories she cultivates and clings to. The theatre has cleverly incorporated working drains around the garden, allowing the cast to actually water the plants which only enhances the realism and grounding the performance in a tangible, lived-in space.

The lighting is used with a subtle brilliance. A large circular light hangs above the stage above the garden, changing in colour to reflect shifts in time and mood. Bright white tones suggest moments grounded in the present, while softer, warmer hues reflect memories, imagination, or conversations Miss Myrtle believes she’s having with Melrose. These lighting transitions help the audience navigate the blurred lines between reality and memory.

Performed in the intimate setting of the Bush Theatre, Miss Myrtle’s Garden is a quiet yet deeply affecting piece of theatre. It explores the impact of illness not only on the person suffering but also on the memory of love and connection and also how it affects those closes to us. The simplicity of the set and the depth of the performances combine to create a truly heartfelt production.

Playing until 12th July: Miss Myrtle’s Garden | by Danny James King | Bush Theatre

Reviewer: Zain Russell

Reviewed: 6th June 2025

North West End UK Rating: