The Stage

The Wind in the Willows

Published Monday 29 June 2009 at 11:40 by Peta David

The story of Ratty, Toad, Mole and Badger is brought to life by Heartbreak Productions and includes a fine display of dysfunctional machines.

Toad’s antics are as enjoyable and amusing to watch today as they must have been when these stories were first published - unbelievably in 1908. Set on the river bank, Ratty - convincingly played by Laurence Aldridge - takes the shy and nervous Mole, played with amiable charm by Rowena Lennon, for a ride in his rowing boat. They decide to pay a visit to Toad, Owen Bevan, who is full of enthusiasm for his latest machine - a horse drawn caravan. Bevan’s larger than life persona and zest for life is infectious. He is particularly entertaining during his quest to find himself a wife from members of the audience, one that can jump the highest.

The introduction of Toad in the second half lifts the whole production and moves the action on apace. Toad’s brush with the law and his eventual escape from jail as a washer woman is all reckless fun. Played to the audience on two sides of a promenade-style stage, the action sometimes ends up facing away from you which means you can lose some of the dialogue.

Set out of doors, as are all Heartbreak Productions’ shows, on a school playing field, the younger members of the audience are quickly distracted by the open space around them and, with a quite a strong cross wind, the cast has to work hard to hold it all together.