The Wind In The Willows

This is a very clever, wonderfully traditional, old-fashioned theatrical adaptation of the timeless classic tale of life by a riverbank. The perfectly-balanced cast of 10, in sumptuous, no-expense-spared costumes which were a joy to behold, treated us to an enchanting production set in the 1920s. My daughter (10) and I both loved it. We felt for Moley; abhorred Mr Toad's behaviour; were sorry for the shy, retiring, lonesome Badger; were amused and slightly alienated by Ratty ... and we hated, but also admired the charleston-crazed weasels. The production was enhanced by a beautifully crafted and near-perfect set with the only out-of place elements seeming to be the mugs in Ratty's house. All the best bits of the story are gathered together here ... a completely convincing yet also amusing theatrical evocation of a lazy English riverside scene; Toad's caravan trip; his motor car escapades; his grand escape from jail dressed as a washerwoman and the final grand battle to reclaim Toad Hall back from the weasely squatters who'd settled in in Toad's absence. Journeys within the story gave the cast ample opportunity to explore the whole of the auditorium, and interact brilliantly with the audience. Definitely one to take kids of all ages to this year on the fringe.