From the moment you enter The Arden Theatre (at least for the next two weeks), you’ll know
you’re somewhere different.
Green river weeds clothe the stage and slither up the walls of the auditorium. You’ll
be thinking some strange creatures might live here – maybe a toad, a rat, otters, badgers, a
hedgehog or two, some squeaky mice, squirrels, and a gang of stoats? Wait till the lights
come up – you’ll meet them all!
If you’re familiar with Kenneth Grahame’s beloved tale “The Wind in the Willows” you’ll
recognise all your favourite characters, endearingly brought to life by the cast of the Arden
Theatre’s production. Here’s Mole (ably played by Louisa Mace), led on an adventure up the
River by the over-educated Ratty (Katy Sparkes gets Ratty’s pomposity just right). Soon they
meet Toad, (the indefatigable Brian Denton) just embarking on his first “craze” – a caravan,
pulled by the long-suffering horse, Albert, (cannily portrayed by Wendy Otway).
But Toad’s fads are all short-lived – and usually end in disaster! When his newly-acquired
caravan is involved in an accident, Toad discards it (and poor old Albert!), and buys a high-speed automobile! This gets him involved in numerous accidents, for which he is duly
arrested and taken to court. A riotous trial ensues, presided over by the magistrate (Sue
Bailey). Toad of course insults her, for which she sentences him to twenty years in prison.
While Toad languishes in his cell, his elegant mansion, Toad Hall, is taken over by a band of
evil weasels, led by the evillest Weasel (Katherine Putko). Determined to rescue their friend
Toad, Moley and Ratty enlist the help of Badger, (Phil Mace) who leads them in a cunningly
devised plan to regain Toad Hall, and firmly restrain Toad from conceiving any more wild
ideas.
All the cast, skillfully directed by Jo Andrews, bring their characters to life with gusto – but a
special acknowledgement must be given to the folks who play the unseen supporting roles:
kudos to the costume and make-up departments for the amazing array of imaginative animal
costumes (tails, ears, snouts, fur and spiky hedgehog quills included).
The sets compactly depict Ratty’s home with its cosy fire in the grate (I wouldn’t mind staying
there myself!) and the River (including the boat and the barge that travel on it). But a special
medal has to go to the creators of the vehicles: two cars, a train, and (my favourite) the
brightly-painted caravan! All the sets were moved around with aplomb and savoir-faire by
the stage crew and creatively lit by the techies in the booth.
Well done all!
-Elizabeth Bergstone