Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows is a classic children’s book by Kenneth Graham, first published in 1908. In 1983 there was an animated film produced by Cosgrove Hall Films based on the original book and as Peter Fielding says, in the Director’s Note in the programme, “We have endeavoured to honour the source material whilst paying subtle homage to the unique charm and creativity in the Cosgrove Hall adaptation.” The story tells of Mole, Rat and Badger as they try to help Toad who has a passion for adventure and new experiences. Toad’s escapades often lead to trouble especially following his obsession with motorcars when his reckless driving results in a series of misadventures and encounters with the law. He is sent to jail but manages to escape only to find that his ancestral home has been taken over by weasels and stoats but, with the help of his friends and under the guidance of Badger, he manages to regain Toad Hall. After the victory they seemingly all settle down and look forward to a more peaceful life - but, where is Toad?

On arrival at what was a left turn for the Memorial Hall, the road was closed so I went a little further and turned left thinking I could perhaps navigate my way round to the Hall but came to another ‘road closed’ sign. I turned back and asked directions from a couple, who said that’s where they were going and pointed to where the Hall was, behind some flats. After parking on the road fortunately the couple had waited for us and took us through the area of flats, down alleyways and eventually we came upon the Hall. My grateful thanks to them, which meant that we did arrive on time. The small Hall was pretty full and there were some vacant seats on the front row (where I don’t usually like to be seated) but in this case it proved to be most beneficial as a great deal of the action took place in front of the stage on the Hall floor and with no tiering, I missed none of the action although, Mole’s little house was in situ three or four rows back with his bed on one side of the aisle and his stove etc. on the other which did involve some head-turning but was a very innovative way of having a space for Mole’s house. The main set was of Rat’s house with table, chairs a book case etc. and a small kitchen section with a forest scene as a backdrop. In front of the stage and to one side was a tree trunk with a door in it and on it, a name plate for Mr. Badger. A shoe-scraper, an essential part of the plot, was placed by the side of the door. In this small Hall much use was made of the main auditorium especially for Toad’s escapades and adventures none more so than when Toad and his friends were on a horse-drawn caravan outing and a ‘car’ came down the centre aisle and a spectacular crash ensued leading, of  course, to Toad becoming obsessed with motor cars.

The first scene opened with Rat rowing his most lovely boat on the river (loved the ducks). The boat, along with a similar structure discreetly placed at the side of the stage, was cleverly used for two magnificent doors as the entrance to Toad Hall and also for other necessary props. Rat, known as Ratty to his friends, was wonderfully played by Andy Brooks. He delivered a very charming and somewhat laid-back approach to life whilst having quite an authoritative air to situations and being a most loyal friend. Chris Pawley was excellent as Mole. His make-up was super and added to the imagery that he so expertly portrayed of a timid, thoughtful, wanting more from a life of just being ‘Mole, that lived in a Hole’ and so he ventures out and is so fortunate that his first encounter was to meet the friendly Rat, who helps him to adapt to the outside world and we see him later, dressed as a washerwoman, most descriptively tell of an impending onslaught at Toad Hall. Badger, again with a great disguise and make-up, was most effectively portrayed by Ro Brooks who so stridently and firmly controlled situations, but in a most affable, wise and concerned way. What an absolutely outstanding portrayal came from Stuart Nelson as Toad. From his ‘green’ face to his impeccable outfit he was every inch the wealthy, sociable, irrepressible, outlandish and animated Toad of Toad Hall. His continual search for new adventures were all most hilariously pursued and superbly enacted as were his escapes from being put under house arrest by his friends to his escape from jail. In fact, all of his physical comedic outbursts were just so brilliantly executed (I hope he didn’t incur too many bruises). It was a truly remarkable, flamboyant and top-notch performance. These four characters were definitely the cement that held the whole show together and they played off each other exquisitely but they needed great support for the play to succeed and that was evident in abundance from the many supporting roles. Niki Hughes was splendid as Albert, the caravan and barge pulling, joyless and definitely not happy with his lot, horse. Steve Hughes excelled in three roles firstly as Otter, along with his son Portly played by Rebecca Plant, as a most debonair Fox and then as a very ‘anti motorcars’ Train Driver. Excellent support came from Bob Pugh as Chief Weasel and from Mel Ferguson Allen as Weasel Norman, also from Rebecca Plant as Ferret Fred, from Sally Hamer as Stoat Gerald and from Peter Fielding as Stoat Cyril who also all doubled-up as Mice and who on one occasion so ‘sweetly’ sang carols. Out in The Wide World we witnessed a very lively court scene with Magistrate Debbie Ashton-Cleary assisted by Phill Brisley as Clerk of the Court and Policeman, Ian Ferguson, was also in attendance. This resulted in his being imprisoned where he gains the sympathy of Gaoler’s Daughter, well played by Lizzy Butterfield, who also was one of the Mice. A plot is hatched where he exchanges clothes with a very burly Washerwomen, played imposingly by Peter Allen who subsequently became a Bargewoman. He gets help from the Train Driver, then from the Bargewoman, supposedly in exchange for help with her laundry, but when she realises he is not human throws him overboard where he steals the Bargewoman’s horse, none other than Albert, and gallops off. Later he sells the horse to a Gypsy played by Phill Brisley. Managing to get a lift from passing motorists, played by Sally Hamer and Lizzy Butterfield, who are persuaded to let him drive, he crashes the car, runs away and luckily finds his way back to Ratty’s house where he is told that the Weasels and Stoats have taken over Toad Hall. A plan is hatched by Badger and following much subterfuge and a battle, Toad Hall is regained. We next see Rat, Mole and Badger, now sitting on the edge of the stage, who are hoping for a more peaceful future but as we hear the sound of an aeroplane they all look up and utter - “Oh Toad”!

With a good set, aided by the innovative use of the Hall, fabulous costumes and make-up, excellent props, good lighting and sound effects it was indeed a most entertaining and thoroughly amusing and enjoyable production. Many congratulations to Producers Peter Fielding and Beth Dunmore, to all the Back Stage Crew and to everyone else involved but most of all, every accolade must go to the four exceptional principal actors and to all those in supporting roles for helping to bring to life this much loved story in such an endearing and imaginative way. 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.