The Stage

The Wind in the Willows

Published Monday 5 December 2005 at 16:45 by Anne Hopper

Alan Bennett’s adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s tales from the riverbank is true to the original and because of this produces a first act of considerable length with great stretches of explanatory dialogue, keeping the attention of adults but mystifying the children. Director Ian Forrest develops what physical action he can whilst introducing the four main characters and their belligerent oppressors. The impressive, constantly changing setting by Martin Johns is imaginatively lit by Chris Ellis - one moment a friendly riverbank, the next a sinister Wild Wood.

In act two the pace increases with the audience joining in as it should. Musical interludes and songs are directed by Richard Atkinson and played by the cast, a talented group of exquisitely costumed actor/musicians playing multiple characters and multiple instruments. John Flitcroft is a superb Toad, with matching performances from Eric Coudrill as Mole, Peter Rylands as Badger and a wonderfully eccentric Rat from John Webb. Almost stealing the show is Simon Grover as Albert the Horse, the children’s favourite. The Weasels and Stoats led by Eamonn O’Dwyer indulge in some particularly nasty violence against Mole introducing an almost human bullying element into the sheltered world of the riverbank.

This excellent production of The Wind in the Willows remains a firm seasonal favourite but this three-hour version will test the patience of small children not as familiar with the stories as their accompanying adults may be.