Wind in the Willows

There is a significant similarity between the story of Wind in the Willows and our experience of coming out of the Covid pandemic. Theatre is only just appearing with performances due to the necessity to produce near perfection on stage with weeks of rehearsal, devoted production staff and the enthusiasm of cast members.

This aim for perfection and the enthusiastic approaches was witnessed by me when I attended a rehearsal by Harrowby Singers of their latest production of Wind in the Willows. During this observation the determination of the Musical Director Elaine Bishop and the attention to detail formulated by Amanda Taylor the Director and her Assistant Director Jo Toomey was nothing short of the standard all amateur groups should endeavour to achieve.

So on Friday 23rd March; clutching my invitation to a performance, I arrived at the delightful theatre in Grantham called the ‘Guildhall Arts Centre’. The second word of the premises name sums up just what I was about to witness, a fantastic emergence from the last two years of hibernation into the simple joy of living even if that includes the highs and lows of life in general. From the very moment the timid Mole (Oliver Hook) emerged to be joined by overconfident and delightful Ratty (Steve Sale) and the search for the intelligent and sensible Badger (Trevor Galtress), I was taken into the earthy world of riverside life that is so symbolic of our lives in our difficult world. Not forgetting, how can anybody, the sensibly over the top characterisation by Len Batey who interpreted the lovable Toad so realistically, taking some of the examples, I think, from some political personalities.

Every member of the cast worked very hard to portray their roles beautifully. I apologise if I miss you out by name but I feel it is important to compliment all of you for a great night out! The weasels and stoats (Cheryl Short, Matthew Brown and Kevin Read) all, I’m sure, I have been seen on market day trying to flog the last bit of stuff! The horse (Ellie Dickinson) with her tapping feet and in caricature expressions! The hedgehogs, otters, swallows, rabbits, squirrels, and all other varieties,  Emma Woolley, Jasmine Slater, Emma Inglesant, Alfie Rains, Charmaine Galtress, Tim Turner, Chloe Short, Amy Arms-Rawden, Anita Taylor, Chloe Pike,  Daniel Taylor, Debbie Baker, Hannah Saddington,, Nicci Lloyd, Sharne Gimbert, and not forgetting Yvonne Hamlyn.

Finally, my compliments regarding the back stage crew lighting and orchestra. Shows like this will never be successful without the dedicated members of these stalwarts of musical theatre. The production had a definite feeling of professionalism as well as attention to detail; pats on the back for you all. Well done - I look forward to your next production.

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