Wind in the Willows opened at Taunton Brewhouse on Saturday with fantastic performances by children and professional actors alike. As is customary for the Brewhouse’s Christmas show, the in-house production combines actors with local children – giving the youngsters invaluable experience working alongside professionals – and they have really done themselves proud. The first run was a huge success, with audiences praising their polished performances.
The whole production is an immersive experience, with designer Eleanor Bull creating breathtaking sets, which magnificently conjure up the rural world of Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad. Director Anna Fox and writer Julian Woodford have successfully adapted this classic tale, giving it a more modern feel, while losing none of the original’s appeal and charm. The actors, who have many TV, film and theatre credits between them really bring the characters to life.
CAST
Mr Rabbit & Others: Zain Abrahams
Rat: Christopher Bonwell
Chief Weasel & Others: Milla Harding
Mrs Hedgehog & Others: Stephanie Houtman
Toad: Jeremy Lloyd
Mole: Ashton Owen
Badger: Caroline Parker
Mrs Rabbit & Others: Bronte Tadman
For those who are not familiar with the story it is a heart-warming tale of woodland and river folk, combining friendship, folly and madcap adventures in a thrilling ride, guaranteed to lift your spirits, and one all the family can enjoy. So if you haven’t booked yet, don’t miss out… it will give you a real lift, inspire some festive spirit and have you humming the show’s songs long after it has finished.
Wind in the Willows is directed by Anna Fox
Book and Lyrics by Julian Woolford
Music by Richard John
Musical Director Joseph Buckler
Choreographer & Ensemble Director Karla Shacklock
Adapted from the classic children’s novel by Kenneth Grahame
Wind in the Willows runs until 2 January 2022. In order to make the show more accessible the Brewhouse has a relaxed performance on Tuesday 21 December at 11 am, an Audio Described performance on Tuesday 21 December at 7pm, and some socially distanced shows. Tickets from £16.
Please call the Box Office for further details. Tel: 01823 283244 (Mon – Fri between 10am – 4pm) or go to www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk @brewhouselive
Photos: Paul Blakemore (c) @blikmo
