The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows is a much-loved children’s novel by Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908 and enjoyed by generations of youngsters ever since. Who would not want to escape reality and revel in his woodland world with the delightful creatures he has created?  This stage version, cleverly adapted by Mike Kenny, tells the story of Mole, Ratty and Badger as they try to help Mr Toad after he becomes obsessed with motorcars and gets himself into trouble. It begins with the trio in later life looking back on their past adventures and often breaks the fourth wall so that the characters can narrate the story and share little insights with the audience.

As the curtains went back, we marvelled at the wonderful set, portraying a run-down Toad Hall, and the stage right apron well dressed as Ratty’s home, looking really cozy. As I’ve come to expect from this group recently, the set and props were of an amazing standard and the Southsea Stage Crafters must be praised to the hilt for their clever designs, along with the set building team for implementing them so well, especially the toadstool chairs - ingenious!. I must particularly praise the headgear worn by every character, each one beautifully crafted showing an animal in realistic detail. What hard work that must have been! Lydia Shepherd’s costumes too were exactly right for each animal and their characters. Paul Impey’s atmospheric lighting design enhanced the picture, and the sound effects (Aidan Jannaway and Louise Newland) were spot-on too, though perhaps some could have been faded out a little sooner.

What a great cast Director Richard Collins has assembled. They’d all obviously thought out their characters and mannerisms well and were delightful to watch. Jasper Astrophel really brought Mr Toad to life as the joyful, loose cannon with a butterfly mind, always flitting on to the next fad with reckless abandon. Shred Malice made a great Ratty – rather more considered in his actions, nicely sensible and a calming influence, while Raj Khan was perfect as the rather impulsive Mole, always looking like he was blinking having just emerged into the daylight. The three worked well together and even better when joined by Badger who Kevin Cordell portrayed as confident, very much in charge and respected by the other creatures. The other cast members played a myriad of animal and human roles. They were too numerous to mention individually, but I must give praise to Lynda Saunders’ and Jo Webb’s ducks, Steve Penfold and Dylan Gover’s cute hedgehogs, Sophie Castle’s judge, and most of all to Jeremy Fletcher’s grumpy and recalcitrant horse, what great characterisation!

As always, everyone front of house was so welcoming and friendly – it’s always a pleasure to come along to one of your shows. The programme (Sass Adams) was top-quality, in full colour, well laid out with notes from the Director and Chairman and pen portraits of the cast.

This was a well-considered and confident production, strongly directed to bring out the themes of the original story: friendship and enjoying adventures in the countryside - the simple pleasures that we seem to have become somewhat disconnected from in recent times. It was a delightful (if rather warm!) evening’s trip back to childhood. Huge well done to everyone involved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.