Wind in the Willows

The appeal of this show touches a chord with all age groups, magical for the very young, where animals become real people, whilst taking mature adults back to the innocence of carefree childhood where `it all turns out right in the end`.

The set was threefold, action scenes and Toad Hall taking place on the main stage which was flanked by two well-utilised side areas, one Ratty`s house and the other for scenes such as the prison. There were no masks to hinder comprehension, just costumes and the merest hint of defining make-up to emphasise each of the characters.

In this version of Wind in the Willows by Mike Kenny, I have the impression that it was shorter than usual because he had adapted it for a cast of children to be played to an audience of children. Thus, the fearsome Mr Badger was merely grumpy; Toad, petulantly childish rather than a puffed up braggart; Ratty positively charming; Mole winsome and finally the most telling climax of those evil, lawless Wild Wooders, who here were nothing more than the lovely chorus of garden pets having a noisy party at Toad Hall. So, all in all, a slice of a child`s perceived life without its often unpleasant aspects

The childish, bombastic Mr Toad, played by Duncan Greaves was quite lovable - a definite winner with children. Somehow he managed to convey the imagined facial expression of a toad without alienating us. The festooned crutches, expertly wielded although necessary due to an accident, were in fact, an added gimmick, enhancing Toad`s self importance rather than detracting from it.

Bob French was the deer stalker hatted Mr Badger.. Quite obviously one of the old school tie yet disappointingly, not given as much to do as expected with such an important role. He did all he could and made a strong Badger but I can`t help wondering why Mike Kenny did not make more of this character? .

Somewhat bizarrely, Ratty and Mole came out as the most utilised of all the cast, being on stage most of the time. Dave Newton played the upper-crust, likeable, Ratty, cleverly using his fingertips appropriately to emphasise his rodent ancestry. His diction was impeccable and he was undoubtedly the star of the show.

In her first really major role, Rosie McCarthy made an appealing, Mole. She gave the part just the right feel and although I`m sure most of us have no idea - except by hearsay - what a real mole actually looks like or how it reacts, Rosie left us in no doubt. Moles are lovely, dainty, likeable little creatures, just as all children would hope to be. A sensitive portrayal and really well done.

A whirl-wind Chief Weasel, Pete Harris rushed on stage at the start of the show and again at the end. This was a newly-discovered Pete Harris who, although often playing villains, excelled himself on this occasion with his noisy, Mad Hatter type persona. Very effective.

Much hard work had gone into this production at various levels and in particular Pat Suttman must be congratulated for her choreography with those delightful little animals.

They dominated all the scenes when they were on stage and were firm favourites with the younger members of the audience.

Although this adaptation of Wind in the Willows is ideal for young people, the Alan Bennett version is better for an adult audience as it follows the Kenneth Grahame`s story in more detail, veering as it does between those who inhabit the peripheral of the forest and the lawless Wild Wooders with their final comeuppance and also making far more of the court scene and the over-blown, self important Mr Toad and his ridiculous exploits.

Directors Becky Giakoumelos and Dinah Brown.

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