The Wind in the Willows

Wind In the Willows
Written by Kenneth Grahame
Adapted by Tracy Rogers

Performed in the grounds of “Sherwood”, West Street, Bampton

21 st July 2023
***
Directed by Avril Saxby

Musical Director and Stage Manager Hugh Saxby
Original Music by Hugh Saxby

As we gently made our way down the driveway to “Sherwood” we were greeted by a beautiful outdoor setting for such a timeless and iconic production of Wind in the Willows. The setting was simply perfect, a valley surrounded by an established tree-lined bank positioned behind a hidden lake with the stage placed perfectly to allow the audience to be sat in raked seating.
I must first make mention of the amount of work required to create the production. Electric cables had to be laid in the grounds to allow the lighting rigs to work, the stage was rectangular with stairway entrances stage left and right and in front, an ingenious design of a river and river bank painted blue and with green banks of painted wild flowers. Ingenious because during the performance Ratty’s boat and the Foxy Lady barge with actors on board was pulled forward and back onto the set. Cleverly done and smoothly operated. The two green rooms for all the costumes involved and toilets for their audiences, all built for this production. An incredible feat.
The songs and music were composed by Hugh Saxby. Distinctive and perfectly matched to each scene and character throughout. It would impress any theatre goer and is meritorious.
As we took our seats, melodious music could be heard, gently persuading the audience that they were sat on an idyllic riverbank waiting for the story to unfold. As beautifully costumed dragonflies danced around the river, the Narrator, with his gorgeous velvet voice began the tale of the Riverbank and of Toad.
The actor playing Mole appeared dressed in a modern-day school uniform with pink gloves, claws attached and a cleverly designed mask, plus school cap. This character was portrayed perfectly as a nervously excited and inquisitive young mole and yet extremely resilient in the end. We were greeted with a plethora of rapping rabbits with their ‘Raucous Rabbit Rap’ (a hip hop hippity hop) as Ratty is pulled on to the front of stage in his delightful boat with his beloved picnic basket. Ratty was dressed perfectly in a sailor jacket and hat, white trousers and yellow cravat, again with a delightful mask, singing ‘A Day on the River’ capturing the scene perfectly. Ratty is a strong character whose character can control the scenes, this actor’s stage presence was admirable throughout the performance and never dropped a line.
The comedic duo of Weasel and Ferret appear as the mischievous and threatening characters they are. Weasel was hilarious using every line to its best. With a ‘Kray like’ cockney accent “I’m Finkin’ bigger” and wearing a trench-coat and hat, he berates Ferret whenever he has the chance. Ferret, wearing a black and white striped ‘burglar type’ T shirt and leather jacket, with his black country accent was also very funny and the two together worked perfectly. Their rendition of ‘Lets persuade Mrs Pots’, resembling the group ‘Madness’ and with an excellent saxophonist on stage too, was impressive. I loved the character of Mrs Pot, the hedgehog and housekeeper to Mr Toad, wearing a gorgeous mask, apron and bonnet and showing her exasperation with her employer at all times. The irrepressible otter in his Victorian bathing suit who swims up the river (lying on a trolley) was expertly played, as was his son, Little Portly, portrayed by a young actor with great confidence and diction, these two brought much laughter from the audience. The delightfully grumpy badger with a melodic bass voice was cast perfectly, his kindness and paternal instincts were portrayed sensitively especially when Mole and Ratty are lost in the snow. The actor playing Toad was also well cast. You could tell he enjoyed the role and was totally silly and guileless as the character should be and as written by Grahame.

There was not a weak link in the casting of this production and some lovely cameo roles played by seasoned actors. Both the Goalers daughter and the Barge Woman were played by the same actor who certainly has incredible stage presence and with great comedic timing in both roles. As did the actor who portrayed both The Magistrate, with his rolling R’s and the Engine Driver, a collie dog with a thick Welsh accent, literally had the audience and myself screaming with laughter. The Head Goaler, a squirrel, with a large tail looked amazing with his Hi-Viz jacket and the young actor portraying Mr Clerk is definitely someone to watch for in the future. I also loved the wee mice carol singers dressed in coats and hats with their squeaky carol singing, all in different keys!
The ensemble singing of rabbits, ferrets, mice, weasels, river folk, passengers and jury and their performances, changing costumes and character were exceptional. Not an entrance was missed. 

Expertly directed by Avril Saxby, every detail was considered, creating a slick and colourful production. Not only was the performance of the cast top notch, the stage props created were excellent. From Toad’s caravan and car, Ratty’s lovely blue boat, the Foxy Lady Barge, TOF 1 the posh car Toad destroys and the impressive steam train, all built by the backstage crew and company and all expertly painted, worked well on stage. The four moving trees (Wild Woods) added levity to a dark scene, a really clever touch. The backstage crew worked tirelessly allowing the story to flow seamlessly.
The music and songs composed by Hugh Saxby were delightful. Varied in genre but fitted perfectly with the story. The voices of the actors were recorded as was the music to facilitate ease of use should there be inclement weather. Great thinking ahead. The addition of music added to the enjoyment of the performance as did the sound effects such as the lapping of water alongside the boats as they moved, the birds chirping and sound of an old iron steam engine.
The costumes, although from different periods, worked artistically well, with rabbits in jeans and t-shirts to Mole in a school uniform, Otter in a Victorian bathing suit and Toad in green waistcoat and plus-fours. All were complimented by their own incredible mask. Every character wore a mask complemented by wings or tails, all created by Ali Diamond and Andy Robinson. Created from papier mâché, painted and varnished, they were stunning. A huge well done.
I have to add the performance I witnessed was free of rain. However, on the Saturday the company had two performances and 22mm of rain fell all day and evening. The company were soaked through during the matinee as were the audience but carried on and completed the final performance very wet but very happy and proud, as they should be. The masks held up too.

This production of Wind in the Willows was the best I and my husband had every witnessed. The tenacity, ideas and sheer brilliance of the production team is to be applauded. It is rare to find a company who can create such an impressive and clever production in an outside location. I applaud you all.

Lyn Burgoyne
Noda Representative (Mid and East Devon)

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.