The Wind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows was written by Kenneth Grahame in 1908 and belongs in that group of English fiction popular at the time, which includesAlice in Wonderland, whose characters are anthropomorphised animals. Written when automobiles were coming into fashion, the book was a thinly disguised satire on the habits and foibles of Edwardian England.

The adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad have been read and loved by generations. This version by Alan Bennett springs from a 1990 National Theatre, London, production, directed by Nicholas Hytner, which updated the satire of the original to include references to Britain during the eighties. It’s a loving adaptation, perhaps too adult at times for a young audience, but it succeeds in bringing these wonderful characters to life.

Bennett’s love of words and the English language is given full reign in the character of Ratty, which was nicely played by Gary McEwen as the full English gentleman. Elizabeth Morris was simply delightful as Mole, whether “messing about in boats” with Ratty or gobbling a chicken at a picnic, she gave the character buckets of heart. Denis Bowman’s imposing Badger had a nice regional accent, Nathaniel Kennedy as Toad took petulance to a new level, whilst Leo Wockner delivered Alfred’s lines with delicious irony, as did Brian Cannon as the Magistrate open to bribery.

Leo Bradley’s sure directorial hand was in evidence every step of the way as a large cast of adults and children scrambled, skipped and hopped about the stage as Rivers Bankers, Wild Wooders, Field Mice and people of the Wide World.

Bennett’s adaptation is, as is to be expected, very English, which is enhanced by Jeremy Sams’ songs of the folk-song/madrigal variety. They please, as does the whole production.

Peter Pinne

Note: Some roles have been double cast so alternates play at some performances.