The Wind in The Willows

~~The Publicity Team held a colouring competition and arranged excellent location photographs, some at Sissinghurst Castle, which were included in the attractive, comprehensive programme. A favourite nostalgic story of woodland and riverside friends.  Good honest fun written with a dry wit with the added attraction of song and dance. With a theme of kindness, adventure and a little bit of badness from the Weasels and Stoats breaking out, this was a production that required a huge team spirit which most certainly shone through.  Three versatile musicians, dressed in woodland character at the front of the stage, even getting a little script to deliver. A first class job from the Roberts clan. Melodious chorus numbers with strong harmony. Dennis Russell excelled designing a super revolve, thus enabling numerous changes to be executed swiftly and quietly and allowing for such detail to be set, with Sarah Davis SM, assisted by the crew. On an open stage we were transported to the riverside and the Wild Wood. Both the exterior and interior of Toad Hall were well depicted, as was the dungeon.  Hours must have been spent in construction and the little rowing boat, caravan, car, as well as a splendid little train which puffed out steam, make for an enchanting vision. Costumes were both colourful and imaginative, undoubtedly requiring a huge amount of time and effort from Sharon Pickles and Kathy Gibbs, together with numerous props collected by Annie Chesters.  Ratty the charmer, perfect in blazer and flannels with nautical headgear, pipe and specs, Mole in her snood and mitts, specs, nightlight and little painted snout, Badger looked distinguished, though worn – a Sherlock Holmes look, pocket hankie and curly pipe – excellent black/white makeup. Toad appeared the well-to-do Edwardian green faced gent with Penny Tobin and Debbie Knight putting their skills into action. Good finishing touches like wellies, driving attire with goggles.  Great fun in the washer woman’s garb! Goth weasels, stoats and ferrets looked menacing – torches in the auditorium working well.  Floppy eared rabbits, ducks with quacking bills, and the hedgehog prickles just terrific, furry squirrels, otters, ferrets and a red coated fox. People characters looked authentic – very good judicial scene. Script and lyrics came over well, inventive lighting together with special effects, including snow. Alison was both visionary and interesting in her stage direction. Never a static moment, the cast beautifully balanced and focused, back and front stage giving their all.  A huge task successfully executed aided by Sharon Pickles, Ruth Roberts and Rachel Croft-Golding. Good characterisation from the four principals, Vicky Bray as Mole with very little rehearsal time, Simon Tomlinson a relaxed Ratty, Robin Harrison  a very big, strong Toad, with Keith Hedley a thoughtful, steady Mr Badger.  What can I say about Albert – a horse with a Wolverhampton accent and those facial expressions and the effectiveness of his coconut shells! Wonderful performance from James Hanaway. Steve Saunders,  Chief Weasel was menacing together with cheeky sidekick Keir Roberts as Weasel Norman being well supported by the gang. The genteel animals were charming with the The Wide World characters well portrayed. 
Arthur Rochester was present, Adjudicator for the KDA Full Length Play Festival 2015 and gave a most favourable resume.

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