The Wind in the Willows

It is hard to believe that a children’s story from 1908 is still as popular today as it was when it was first written. Wind in the Willows is a classic tale of friendship and adventure while also exploring themes such as responsibility and the wider world. It wraps its audience in nostalgia and childhood memories. It is one of my favourites.

First staged in 2010, this adaptation by Mike Kenny, offers a slight variation to the classic story by Kenneth Grahame. While keeping the integrity of the original narrative, this version offers an accessible, lightness that is intended to appeal to a wide audience. The play begins with the story being recounted by the four friends as they stand outside the derelict Toad Hall. 

Contrast Theatre Company formed in 2007. A company of experienced actors, this group strives to produce plays that are primarily character driven. This play very much reflects the aim of this society as the audience is introduced to the characters. 

The lead roles of Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger are played by Ami Pritchard, Kate Russell, Ashley McAllister and Jonathan Hughes. The stage was set using simple but effective props while the use of projection enhanced the setting for each significant scene. The use of various levels on the stage, for example Mole’s house, allowed for distinct locations to be present throughout. The lighting was used to significant effect to reflect the mood of the scene and to depict the changing seasons. The Director chose to use the auditorium as part of the set. An effective strategy. The darkness of the auditorium worked particularly well when replicating the underground tunnels around Badgers home. The cast subtly moved pieces of set to depict distinct locations. This was smoothly completed and ensured effective transitions between scenes.

This production required twenty-five roles to be shared amongst eight cast members. A challenge indeed, but one this company embraced and delivered superbly. 

The role of Mole, a gentle, curious creature, unfamiliar with the world above ground, was played by Ami Pritchard. Ami gave a very convincing performance as this creature. Her excitement, learning all about the riverbank, the characters who lived there and the antics of Toad, was endearing to watch and embodied the enjoyment of childhood as we discover the world around us. An excellent performance Ami, congratulations.

Ratty, was played by Kate Russell. A confident creature, practical and sociable. A well-liked, popular river-dweller. Kate’s depiction of Ratty was self-assured and reflected the qualities of this character. Her no-nonsense, confident portrayal, worked beautifully in juxtaposition to the nervousness of mole. A super pairing and well-done on a lovely performance Kate. 

Ashley McAllister brought the character of Toad to life. His physical movements and facial expressions were perfect for this sometimes-petulant creature. Wealthy, obsessive and no sense of responsibility, Toad’s role demonstrates the unruly characteristics of an animal that must be brought into line. His antics, while entertaining, are not sociably acceptable to his friends Ratty, Mole and Badger. Ashley embodied this creature with style. His changes in mood from excited to distraught were delivered with ease and ensured excellent stage presence worthy of Toad. Congratulations Ashley.

The role of Badger was performed by Jonathan Hughes. Badger is the elder of the group. The wise, reclusive, protector of all. Jonathan exemplified these characteristics and presented Badger accordingly. His intolerance of Toad contrasted beautifully with Toad’s over-excited nature. His ability to control situations was effective, he portrayed this character with an air of superiority, the older resident, friend of Toad’s father and held in high regard by all creatures. A super performance Jonathan. 

The other twenty-one characters were shared between Dominique Watkins, Rachel Jones, Anne Davenport and Jennifer Appleton. These extremely capable actors moved seamlessly between weasels, guards, police, riverbank characters to name just a few. Alongside her riverbank and wildwood characters, Dominique played a wonderful Chief Weasel, Policewoman and washerwoman. Every character different from the other. Rachel played the Otter guard, a car passenger, a wildwooder and a riverbanker. Her portrayal of the train driver was super; I loved the accent! Anne gave a wonderful portrayal of the horse and the bargee, with lots of comical moments. She also played a super, judge, riverbanker and wildwooder. Jennifer gave us a lovely portrayal of Portly, popping up throughout the play. She also played the gaolers daughter, a clerk, a car passenger a riverbanker and a wildwooder. Another fabulous set of characterisations. All four of these actors played wonderful supporting roles within this adaptation. Their ability to change roles quickly, at times mid-scene, was faultless. Congratulations to you all, fantastic performances and true teamwork!

There were many adorable moments within this production. I loved the ducks, Ratty and Mole in the boat and the car scenes were great fun, to name a few. The Director had a wonderful cast to work with and successfully highlighted them all. This resulted in a superb afternoon of entertainment at Theatr Colwyn. Congratulations Anne.

Thank you for inviting me to your production. I look forward to seeing what Contrast Theatre Company do next.

 

The views in this report are solely the opinion of the writer.

 

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