The Wind in the Willows

I had never seen a production of The Wind in the Willows, so I eagerly awaited curtain up with the rest of the audience, to say this was a first on stage production since the start of the pandemic you would not have known - the show opened with energy and excitement emanating from the cast which never dropped even a notch throughout the whole performance.

The set was very simple which worked well for this production and was ably managed by Chris Grady, the director Matthew Gavin made the brave decision to let the characters within their characterisations convey the advancing storyline instead of relying on big cumbersome scene changes and fancy lighting plots. The few props that were used were handled with confidence. I particularly enjoyed the way the boat on the river was portrayed - very simple, yet very effective. Johnny Cunliffe as Musical Director kept everything bouncing along well and pace was good, the orchestra sound was well managed and not too loud and all the vocals were well assisted. The choreography throughout was fresh, innovative and well executed by the cast, I particularly enjoyed the “street vibe” given to the Wild Wooders gang who were very competently led by Lewys Lautman as Chief Weasel. He reminded me of Fagin from Oliver with his characterisation - a baddie but maybe not so bad underneath, his diction both in dialogue and vocals was clear and concise not easy to do while also busting moves, he connected well with the audience and used his whole self to slink and swagger just like a true creature weasel. 

The Wassailing Mice with their gentle yet strong harmonies were a pleasure to watch and added a lovely level to the production. Georgia Platt as Mrs Otter fully embodied her character and I was pleased to see that her animal characterisation had been very well thought out even down to using her fingers splayed all the time just like an otters webbed feet. Harriet Crompton as Mrs Hedgehog delivered a very sweet and touching vocal number with her hedgehog children about being careful when trying to cross the road. The trio - Emily Harvey (Badger), Lucas Hodgson-Wale (Ratty) and Kallea McKee (Mole) showed some fabulous chemistry, used their full stage space well and delivered some strong vocals, their diction within their dialogue was clear and unrushed, their comfort and confidence on the stage was lovely to see. Archie Howarth as Toad was an absolute joy to watch, his characterisation was complete immersion, his facial expressions, twitches, leaps and general air were comedic and yet not overplayed. His vocal number with Freya Islip (Jailer’s Daughter) as she helped him escape from jail allowed her vocals to shine and his showmanship and confidence on the stage was very evident. 

The ensemble worked very hard throughout the show, it is a very physical show and as I previously mentioned the choreography was not just a simple box step. The costumes and make up were well thought out and we the audience were in no doubts about what animal each character was. I must mention Toad’s bright green moustache and eyebrows - they were inspired and deserved an audience clap all of their very own.

Thank you BCMCS for your hospitality, I look forward to seeing you again soon and, finally, well done on your super production, I enjoyed it greatly. 

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