Wind In The Willows

A musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows tells the story of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad, who embark on adventures along the riverbank and in the Wild Wood. Their escapades often revolve around Toad's reckless nature and his obsession with vehicles, leading to various comical situations and a few brushes with the law

Mole, played by Martha Shaw, was bored with their underground life and sought adventure whilst being drawn to the riverbank by the charm of Ratty, played by Victoria Williams.  Mole and Rat explore the Wild Wood and the river and the darling dippy ducks – Anna McCooey, Rory Bee, Bertie Burné, Daisy Gowshall, Eslie McKie, and Mabel McKi. Then they encounter Badger and start experiencing a more natural, but also less safe, side of the world. Clever Badger, played by Minuki Mannapperum, encourages Mole and Ratty to explore. Along with Mr Toad – Josephine Churchill, these lead parts were all played well, with delightful actions and costumes that brought he characters to life. The songs enhanced their journey and friendships well, and these young actors delighted the audience.

Narrators Chloe Morrison, Esme Russell, Emilie Sutemire, and India Rickell all had good diction and managed the phrasing and rhythm effectively. Charming cut our vehicles, trees, and wild wood set created by Chris Liversidge, Steve Hobdell, with set constructed by Stuart Saunders, Joseph Bramley, Elaine Barrett, Dan Barret, Russell Alder, Alex Alder, Malcolm Tresadern, Doug Shepherd, and David Allerton. You all created an imaginative world for your young actors to work in.

Toad, initially a flamboyant homeowner, becomes infatuated with cars, leading to chaotic incidents and eventually imprisonment. Jeeves – Max Fagg, Sally – Suzi Shackleton, Ethel – India Rickell, Magistrate -Anna McCooey, Court Clerk – Emilie Sutemire, Policeman – Rory Bee all try to make Toad mend his ways. Prisoners – Rory Bee and Bertie Burné are involved with Toad's escape and rescue. Eventually, Toad escapes jail and, while attempting to recover his home, faces the villainous weasels and stoats. Sarge Stoat – Ali Peck and Chief Weasel – Emily Campbell led their follows with competent actions and movements. The Stoats – Bert – Evie Churchill, Harry - Hannah Hewitt, and Fred Lyra Sawmynaden and Weasels – Enid – Corinna Mothersill, Doris – Suzi Shackleton, and Flo – Elsie McKie delighted us with their antics. Other animals, Otter - Anna McCooey with Hedgehogs – Sophie Heseltine and Mabel McKie, Rabbit – Rory Bee, all demonstrated great skill and energy in their roles. The choreography and movements brought the animals to life.

The musical elements incorporate catchy songs, including "Friends Together," "Messing About in Boats," "King of the Road," and "Twenty Years," which help advance the story and highlight the characters' personalities and emotions. (Music and Sound - Chris Hinkins)

Car Salesman – Elena Maddison, Delivery Men – Eliza Coats and Daisy Gowshall, Rupert – Bertie Burné, Monica – Sophie Heseltine, Train driver – Hugo Buckle, Train Fireman – Max Fagg, all played their parts well. By the end of the play all the friends, Ratty, Mole, and Badger come to Toad's aid, ultimately rescuing Toad Hall and restoring peace to the riverbank.

Thank you to all the chaperones, Dominic Hinkins, Roan Hobdell, Steve Hobdell, Mia Murray, Jane Whitlock, Nancy Shackleton, Rachel Yates, Chris Liversidge, and Michelle Ellershaw, without whom the young actors could not perform.

Stage crew Alex Alder, Herbie Hand, and Elea, under the lead of stage manager Russell Alder, worked their sock off, changing the scenes and moving stage props around. Well done. Front-of-house crew, led by Elaine Barrett, were very welcoming. I notice your program is also excellent,t and I will make sure it is entered into the NODA program and poster competition. (Sheena Liversidge and Dominic Hinkins designed these.)

Director Sheena Liversidge (with assistant directors – Gail Hinkins and H J Hobdell), must be so proud of her production, an amazing, colourful, charming tale set in The Wild Wood. While not written with a purposeful moral in mind, one can still be pulled from the book. Following its themes of nature, adventure, and friendship, the moral of The Wind in the Willows could be summarized as good friendship can overcome all obstacles. A lovely sentiment.

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