The Wind in the Willows
Information
- Date
- 15th May 2019
- Society
- Jarrow Musical Theatre Company
- Venue
- Jarrow Focus Theatre
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Michelle Coulson
- Musical Director
- Freda Carney
- Choreographer
- Kirsty Jeffrey
The North East Premier of “The Wind in The Willows” has been staged by Jarrow Musical Theatre Company and what a joyous and lively performance it was. Based on the children’s novel of the same name by Kenneth Grahame and written by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) and with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drew of Mary Poppins fame, it was a lovely nostalgic trip into the fantasy world created by the author.
The Company certainly deserve great credit for once again being bold and tackling something new, innovative untested on a north east audience. From front of house it looked spectacular with excellent scenery, backdrops, curtains, and costumes and lighting. It also had a fine Band that was sympathetic to the needs of the cast in the delivery of the complex score.
This was never going to be an easy show to stage with a cast of 32, a complicated and difficult musical score and adding into the mix, the need to manoeuvre two stage trains, two stage cars, a rowing boat, caravan and canal boat on set. However, it was done very successfully and inovatingly without an apparent hitch, from an excellent production team of Director Michelle Coulson, Musical Director Freda Carney and Choreographer Kirsty Jeffrey.
As for the cast themselves the ensemble and those with supporting roles were in their usual fine form. The harmonies were spot on and the dancing and movement were crisp. There are many attributes you get from a Jarrow Company but of these you are always guaranteed enthusiasm and you never see a glum face on stage, unless it is part of the show, and they radiate a happiness that comes across the footlights.
Principal wise David Bruce as the Toad was the epitome of the character and portrayed this madcap fool to perfection. Those who have read the novel have a mind’s eye impression of Toad. To me David was that in spades.
Mole was played by Frances Wood and although a little under the weather on the night of my visit she did not let this detract from a great performance as the stoical and utterly loyal character. She nailed the part and her interpretation of “A Place to Come Back to" was a delight.
Joe Coulson’s acting reputation continues to grow for me and his interpretation of the hardnosed yet soft hearted loyal Ratty was spot on.
If he will excuse me, the evergreen Lawrence Clark was in fine form as Badger and was aptly cast as the elderly Sage of the story and he brought all his experience to the fore in his lovely interpretation, with Mole and Ratty of the trio “A Friend is Still A Friend”
Margaret Gray (Mrs Otter) and Hannah Purvis (Portia) Kevin Richardson (Chief Weasel) Grayson Wood (Magistrate) and Helen Richardson (Mrs Hedgehog) also added some fine touches to the production in their respective roles.
The music in the show may not be well known but that of “One Swallow” performed in lovely harmony by Danielle Roche, Helen Leckie and Colette Cooke and the Chorus Numbers “As If In A Dream” and “The Wassailing Mice” were a delight.
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