Young Company to present ‘The Wind in the Willows’ at Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds’ Young Company is to present “The Wind in the Willows” next month.

When Mole first steps out onto the riverbank, he encounters a medley of woodland creatures.

After making firm friends with Ratty, Mole is introduced to the delights of boating, the terrors of the Wild Wood and the peculiarities of the Wide World beyond. When the pair meet the infamous Toad of Toad Hall with his fads and foibles, they are whisked off on a madcap adventure!

Initially written based on a series of bedtime stories to his son, Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows” is a timeless tale of animal cunning and human camaraderie.

The beautifully written work, with its evocative descriptions of the countryside interspersed with exciting adventures, is a classic of English children’s literature, enrapturing children and adults alike.

The novel was partly adapted for the stage as “Toad of Toad Hall” in 1929 by A. A. Milne and Alan Bennett’s complete adaptation was staged in 1991 in which he also appeared as Mole. There have also been many film and television adaptations.

This new production of Alan Bennett’s version of the play is directed by Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre leader Connie Dent and features a cast of 30 young performers, many of whom have appeared in previous productions at the theatre including “Goodnight Mister Tom” and “Treasure Island”.

There are five performances, Thursday to Saturday, April 18 to 20. Tickets are on sale at the Box Office, call 01284 769505, book online at www.theatreroyal.org/shows/the-wind-in-the-willows-2/or visit the theatre in person.

Pictured above are youngsters rehearsing for ‘The Wind in the Willows’.