Wind in the Willows

The most beautiful theatrical venue in NODA East District 4S is the Walled Garden in Brandon County Park, Suffolk, the home base of Shoestring Theatre Company. Flowers, herbs, a brick well, and shrubs and bushes galore create a magical environment for this troupe, consisting mainly of children, to perform in. 

It also offers significant environmental challenges in the form of unpredictable weather. But to the credit of this hardy little company, heavy rain neither keeps audiences away nor prevents the show from going on. On Shoestring’s recent performance day, 16 July, both major rainfall and nasty traffic tie-ups in nearby Brandon threatened attendance at Wind in the Willows – but all four of the company’s performances proceeded that day, with full complements of audiences. 

And deservedly so: this 45-minute production of an adaptation of the UK’s favourite waterborne saga, Wind in the Willows, had buckets of charm, whimsy and unmistakeable evidence of hard work. 

Amongst the hallmarks of Shoestring productions are its well-executed costumes and scenery/sets, which were here in abundance. Mr Toad, played by Mia McDonald, was dashing in a resplendent green and yellow suit and shirt, his comrades suitably country stylish in tweeds and checks. Masks helped out on the make-up front for most of the various water and field animals portrayed, in a fun touch.

Equally impressive were the scenery and set pieces, including a brightly coloured caravan, a motorcar and train, with the latter two stealthily moved by the actors occupying those vehicles by walking them.

The language of the adapted script was a bit lofty at times, but the young actors generally navigated their lines brightly and effectively, with only the very occasional gap in dialogue, put right by the subtle and efficient prompt Denise Maxim, who also directed.

One of the great charms of the Walled Garden setting is that there are several ‘playing’ areas to which the audiences are gently herded throughout the performances.

Ultimately, this production achieved what it set out to do: entertain, provide a creative vehicle for expression for area children and adults – and deliver a lovely bout of ‘messing about the river’. I enjoyed every minute. 

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