The Wind in the Willows

The set for this clever adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's children's classic was charming. All the numerous props were totally suitable for the era, the lighting was good and and the sound effects were delightful. The four main characters: Mole [Ray Allen], Water Rat [Maris Wagstaff], Badger[Moirs Barnes-Jone and Chris Ellis as the irrepressible Mr Toad were ideally presented. Toad's outrageous behaviour and facial expressions were so right for the part. Nine other members of the society [the youngest was just 11 years old] played a total of no fewere than twenty-one various characters. These included a washerwoman, a judge, an otter, a railway guard and a hedgehog. The story moved along at a good pace. There were a number of unfortunate distractions from a couple of young children in the audience who were misbehaving. This meant that some lines could not be heard clearly. This was my only small niggle. I must mention the delightful programme format of an Estate Agency called Wild Wooder Properties Inc. where Toad Hall was for sale. This was a lovely design. Well done to all those responsible for this amusing and really charming production.

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