This is one of my least favorite of all the BBC Children's Classics radio dramatizations I have listened to. However, that isn't the fault of the BBC, but just that I didn't find the story all that engaging. The Secret Garden has the dubious distinction of being the only book I read in childhood that bored me so much I had to struggle and force myself to finish it. I purchased this audio version anyway because I have enjoyed all the other BBC Children's Classics so much, and because I couldn't remember a thing about the book (other than being bored with it). I think my main problem with it was that I simply didn't find any of the characters to be very likable. Except for Dicken, that is, and the actor who portrayed him was absolutely delightful.
As in all the BBC productions I have listened to, they do a first-class job; the voice actors, sound effects and music are all outstanding. For those who like The Secret Garden this will be sure to please. This production has the added bonus of some heavy Yorkshire accents that I found a bit hard to understand, but enjoyed the color they added to the story nonetheless.
I probably wouldn't recommend this for younger children because of the part near the end of the story when Mary, Dicken and Collin sway and chant about "the magic." There is nothing sinister about it, or anything, but for young, impressionable children I don't know that it's all that appropriate.