THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS | STAGE PREVIEW
What’s not to love about talking animals? The Wind In The Willows has an impressive array of them: the unforgettable mild-mannered Mole, the relaxed river vole Ratty, the gruff and solitary Mr Badger and Mr Toad, the wealthy heir of Toad Hall.
Mole and Ratty spend their time “simply messing about in boats” on the river until Toad persuades them to join him on a trip in his horse-drawn caravan. But Toad has a habit of hopping from one hobby to another; he swaps the caravan for a car and soon finds himself arrested for reckless driving. Meanwhile the weasels take over Toad Hall and the friends have to find a way to evict the squatters, which results in mayhem.
Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s novel (published in 1908) has been adapted for the stage countless times since A.A. Milne started the trend in 1929. This adaptation comes courtesy of the Unknown Theatre Company, who top off a successful year which has taken them to the Edinburgh Festival among other locations. Musical numbers will be performed by young local actors working with the Arts Active team. This is a moral tale: Toad realises what good friends he has and how badly he has behaved. He makes up for his earlier wrongdoings and the four friends live out their lives happily ever after – just the kind of story you want at Christmas.
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 10-Sat 12 Dec, Tickets: £10/£8. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
words LYNDA NASH
photo KAREN COX