The world-famous Wilton’s Music Hall and the children’s classic The Wind in the Willows make perfect bedfellows ★★★★ LondonTheatre1
Poop Poop!
A brand-new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved The Wind in the Willows by award-winning children’s author Piers Torday (The Last Wild series) comes to Wilton’s this Christmas.
Set in modern-day London our story starts in Hyde Park during the spring time, with the adventure unfolding as it moves along the Thames and through the seasons, ending back at Mole’s home in time for Christmas and carols - but only if Toad Hall can be saved from the weasels and their ferret and stoat accomplices…
The Wind in the W̵i̵l̵l̵o̵w̵s̵ Wilton’s is a fun, festive show for all the family, bringing up-to-date the Edwardian original with a playful wit and charm, with our heroes tackling modern-day climate issues (although Toad seems less keen), offering a tale of sustainable hope. There will be songs, puppetry and all the favourite characters will be there – Ratty, Mole, Badger, Toad and the Weasels. Not to mention a picnic or two…
Piers Torday triumphed with his previous adaptations of classic novels for Wilton’s: A Box of Delights, Christmas Carol and The Child in the Snow, this year teaming up with Director Elizabeth Freestone and Designer Tom Piper, with original songs by Piers Torday and Chris Warner, lighting by Zoe Spurr, movement by Emma Brunton and puppets by Samuel Wyer.
All along the backwater,
Through the rushes tall,
Ducks are a-dabbling,
Up tails all!
"If there’s a more joyous, more life-affirming, and more loveable family show than The Wind in the Wilton’s happening anywhere in London this Christmas I don’t know where it is." ★★★★★ Plays To See
"A happy show for all ages" ★★★★ Daily Mail
"If there’s a more joyous, more life-affirming, and more loveable family show than The Wind in the Wilton’s happening anywhere in London this Christmas I don’t know where it is." ★★★★★ Plays To See
"A happy show for all ages" ★★★★ Daily Mail
"A glorious downstream Willows for our age… you won’t see a prettier, more refreshing or sustainable stage this Christmas" ★★★★ Theatre Cat
"Uproariously witty… Ingenious and heartwarming hymn to urban nature based on the Kenneth Grahame classic" ★★★★ The Stage
"...a perfect alternative to pantomime this Christmas" ★★★★ Theatre Weekly
Hat’s off to Torday, and the production, as it really was truly delightful! ★★★★ What’s Good To Do
Crisply fresh and very funny ★★★★ Sardines
"A charming festive show... the cast of actor-musicians are all brilliant and energetic." ★★★★ WhatsOnStage
"the charming actors and gorgeous setting will bring a smile to most faces, and the combination of genuine moments of humour and strong messages about love and the connection between home and companionship are a welcome addition to the festive season" ★★★★ All that Dazzles
"With catchy songs throughout and beautiful harmonies, the story was light and fluid, making it enjoyable for both adults and children" ★★★★ North West End
"It's exuberant, crafted and considered: a feast for the senses this Christmas" ★★★★ Everything Theatre
"The neo-folk melodies, sung in brave harmonies, have just the right length, regularly followed fearlessly by rave beats and TikTok sequences" ★★★★ Sadie Takes The Stage
"A thoroughly enjoyable experience for all age groups. Humour at all levels. Children laughed out loud as did adults. Definitely a ‘feel good’ outing." London Mums Magazine
Click here to view our digital programme
Cast
Creative Team
Production Photography - Nobby Clark
Cast
Darrell Brockis - Toad
Melody Brown - Badger
Tom Chapman - Weasel
Paula James – Duck
Corey Montague Sholay - Mole
Chris Nayak – Otter
Rosie Wyatt – Rat
Adam Redmore – Understudy (Mole, Rat, Badger, Toad)
Creative Team
Writer – Piers Torday
Director – Elizabeth Freestone
Associate Director – Joanna Bowman
Designer – Tom Piper
Lighting Designer – Zoe Spurr
Composer and Sound Designer – Chris Warner
Movement Director – Emma Brunton
Puppetry Designer – Samuel Wyer
Casting Director – Helena Palmer
Assistant Director – Segen Yosef
Production Photography - Nobby Clark
Recommended age 5+
Running time: 2 hrs 5min including an interval