WIND IN THE WILLOWS: Grahame, adapt Bennett, Bham Rep till 19 Jan 2002
Birmingham
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS: Kenneth Grahame's story in Alan Bennett's adaptation
Additional Music and Lyrics: Jeremy Sams
Birmingham Rep: Tkts 0121 236 4455
Runs: 2h 30m, one interval, till 19th January 2002
Review: Rod Dungate, 6th December 2001
One delightful moment follows on from another in this beautiful production that treats both the script and the young audience with respect
Released from the quaint Edwardian charm of the original in Alan Bennett's superb adaptation, the production is an evening of absolute, unfaltering delight. Characters are subtly filled out but clearly defined while the whole unfolds within Paul Farnsworth's elegant settings which, though full of surprises allow the production to breathe.
A major factor in the success of this production must be Bennett's adaptation: while he remains true to the spirit of Grahame's tale, he takes enough freedom to give it dramatic, or theatrical, shape.
Rupert Goold's production treats both the script and the young audience with respect and his acting company create their animal characters with as much care and precision as, we assume, they would in plays for adults. These are the crucial ingredients so often missing at this time of the year.
The big four – Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger – carry the show along with their belief. Paul Bradley, with just the hint of an accent to ensure his County background is never forgotten (breeding counts) is a perfect Toad, childish but never ridiculous: David Killick (Rat) fancies himself as a yachtsman, I imagine, though is as fussy as a mother hen: our bridge into the story, James Bradshaw (Mole) watches the world through his large horn-rimmed specs, his eyes full of the wonder of it all. Finally, Badger, the grumpy one, is played in right good humour by Terry McGinity, his grouchiness an object of humour to us rather than fear – he was the favourite character of the very young person sitting next to me.
But added to these four must go a fifth – Albert, the Dudley-born horse (Peter Holdway). Albert, who like most Black Country characters is of seriously independent mind and carries the world (metaphorically) on his shoulders, is fabulous to watch as he clops about on his clogs whether pulling a caravan or a beautiful narrowboat barge.
The production is filled out with many mini hedgehogs, squirrels, fieldmice and rabbits: a whole believable world is created.
Joy, absolute joy.
Cast:
Mole: James Bradshaw
Rat: David Killick
Toad: Paul Bradley
Badger: Terry McGinity
Otter: Nicholas Pegg
Albert, a horse: Peter Holdway
Rabbit Rose: Georgia Simpson
Rabbit Robert: Timothy Sutton
Rabbits: Julie Jupp, Nicholas Pegg, David Tughan
Hedgehogs: Roz McCutcheon, Kevin Walton
Squirrels: Lindsey Ellis, David Pagan
Portly, an otter: Jacob Lloyd/ Joseph Turner
Fieldmice, Small Rabbits, Small Squirrels, Small Hedgehogs: Sally Ann Adams, Tasmine Airey, Jack Bridgewater, Sean Cunoosamy, Sacha-Louise Douglas, Sadie Forrester-Hayles, Mary Jayne Jones, Jacob Lloyd, William Mauchline, Bethany Osborne, Jory Osborne, Paige Osborne, Edward Paul, Emily Louise Pariera, Amanda Poyner, Phoebe Ellice Roberts, Samantha Jayne Roney, Joseph Turner, Tom Wright, Vanessa Zaalof
Chief Weasel: David Tughan
Norman, a weasel: Stuart Crossman
Fox: Julie Jupp
Stoat Gerald: Georgia Simpson
Stoat Stuart: Peter Holdway
Fred Ferret: Kevin Walton
Other Weasels: Vanessa Barrett, Barnaby Kellett, Farah Lodhi, Jennifer Pick
Parkinson, car salesman: David Pagan
Motorist Rupert: Nicholas Pegg
Motorist Monica: Lindsey Ellis
Magistrate: Richard Kane
Clerk of the Court: Georgia Simpson
Policeman: David Pagan
Gaoler's Daughter: Lindsey Ellis
Washerwoman: Roz McCutcheon
Train Driver: Kevin Walton
Ticket Clerk: Timothy Sutton
Bargewoman: Julie Jupp
Gypsy: Richard Kane
Director: Rupert Goold
Designer: Paul Farnsworth
Musical Director: Timothy Sutton
Lighting: Tim Mitchell
Sound: Ian Roberts
2001-12-06 23:46:21