THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

I always enjoy my visit to Leeds Children's Theatre productions and this was no exception, especially as they were presenting my favourite play!  It's hard to believe that the original story, by Kenneth Grahame, was written over a hundred years ago, but still resonates today. The writer's intention was to show children and adults alike how life could be so different if everyone cared about each other, looked out for each other and faced up to their mistakes and bad behaviour. What better world it would be today if everyone did the same!

This play has been adapted by Mike Kenny, for the stage and he brings with it our favourite characters from the riverbank and the woodland in a simple and entertaining way.

Directed sympathetically by Dan Dainter, we had all our best loved characters brought to life on a very clever set, with excellent props and visuals.

Each principal character played their parts so very well - Graham Siddle played Badger perfectly - a little cantankerous but likeable - Penny Gellard played Mole - a simple soul, who has lost his home in the woods and wants to be guided into a new way of life. Jack Brining played Ratty - resplendent in striped blazer, flannels and a straw boater - these three really acted well together and brought their friendship on the riverbank to life. The fourth friend was Toad, played confidently by D'arcy Cooper Chappell, always getting into trouble and having to be rescued by the other three - it was all great fun and had the audience laughing from the start.

The supporting characters were also on top form, excellent characterisations and they really brought the story to life;  (forgive me listing all the names).

Chief Weasel (Johnny Easton), Otter/Bargewoman (Amy Smith), Horse/Mr Fox (Milo Burrows), Judge/ Train Driver (Steve Morrell), Clerk of the Court/ Weasel (Lea Nnando), Gaoler's Daughter/ Rabbit (Charlotte Routledge), Train Guard/ Stoat (Ollie Grinham), Washer Woman (Jane Curtin), Portly (Phoebe Grinham), Billy the Hedgehog (Yasmin Al-Sabah), Young Hedgehog (Amelie Knight), Person 1 (Ophelia Routledge), Person 2/ Policeman (Noah Oliver), Ensemble (Leyla Al-Sabah), Wild Wooders/ Riverbankers (Jess Barrett, Emily Crayford, Sam Hall, Emily Hart and Anna Rushton).    I was so impressed by their portrayal of these complex characters. 

As I  have mentioned before, the sets were simple but so effective - they were constructed on two levels, with Toad Hall on the upper level and the riverbank on the lower level - great scope for the director to move his characters around and fill the stage. The boat that Badger, Ratty and Mole rowed was a clever idea - on castors so it could be moved around with ease - likewise, the train, which morphed into a barge; the car Toad steals and then crashes - plus the other one he buys - and crashes!  Also, Toad's gypsy caravan which he soon tired of. He really is a naughty boy!  Each time, saved by his friends - but eventually becomes a changed person. The simplicity of these sets was wonderful - such a lot of hard work by the stage crew whose talents never cease to amaze me. Costumes had been very well thought out and the makeup team managed to give the actors character without losing identity - no mean feat!  All the backstage workers need a special mention - they all worked so hard! Jo Brady, Mark Smith, Gary Loughrey, Paul Myers, Peter Waddicor, Chris Beardwell, Jane Curtin, Freya Almond-Palmer, Janine Walker, Mandi Rugg, Gia Vaughan, Manda Lister, Michelle Petrow, plus those very special chaperones - Christine Greaves, Hayley Smith and Ching Kwok.

This wasn't just a play - we had music and singing as well, the Movement Director was Janine Walker. The music was specially composed by Christopher Madin and recorded by Nick Field, with musicians Tabetha Pong, Sally Waite and Amy Gooder - what a great addition to the storyline!

What more could I ask on a dismal November evening, to see these bright children and adults enjoying bringing this story to life - we should all visit the riverbank from time to time........

Congratulations once again to Dan and his LCT Friends for their hard work and dedication to children's theatre!

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