The Wind in the Willows

I really enjoyed this production. Director Becky North has a really great cast for this show, everyone worked hard and there are lots of individual characterisation's from each person on the stage. The cast all take on different animal family groups. Musical Director Matt Timmins has also worked well with the company singing. The costumes are very good, the set is simple and very effective and I liked the way the theatre has been turned round with raised seating.

The story revolves around Ratty and Mole and their eccentric friend Mr Toad who causes mischief and mayhem wherever he goes especially when he steals cars 'Beep Beep'.

Rat is played by Chris Meineck and Mole by Scott Douglas, both actors are super in their roles, I liked the boat and the song 'Messing about in a boat' as they sailed across the stage.
Toad is played by Richard McPherson he too is great in the role full of energy. They all work well together and the story moves along at a good pace.

Mrs Otter played by Danielle Morris and her daughter Portia by Lucy Taylor also work well together they have a believable mother daughter relationship. Peter Ansell as Badger is lovely and I enjoyed 'A Friend is still a Friend'.

Toad, having stolen a car, gets put in prison, so the Weasels and Stoats take over his home, Toad Hall, which is the opening of Act two, 'We're Taking Over the Hall'. Chief Weasel is played by Steven Reynolds who is suitably bad along with Lesser Weasel by Harriet Cairnes, and Sheryl Stoat by Ann Clark they are all nasty and have kidnapped Portia Otter.

Toad escapes from prison with the help of the gaoler's daughter who has been given some ladies' clothes from a washer woman. Toad dresses as the washer woman there is a great fun song 'To be a Woman'. This was a fun scene.

The friends meet back up to take back Toad Hall and rescue Portia. All ends happily ever after. Everyone looked like they were having a great time and that really came across. Well done to you all.
 

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