It has been revealed that Tony Robinson will star as Kenneth Grahame, who narrates the production which marks the first West End transfer for the ROH. Tickets are on sale now!
The Wind in the Willows is brought to life on stage through song, dance and extraordinary puppetry. The production, directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, will run at the Duchess Theatre from Wednesday 11th December 2013 until Saturday 1st February 2014.
Tony has enjoyed a long career in television, having presented twenty seasons of Channel 4's archaeology series Time Team and played Baldrick in Blackadder amongst many other credits. He is an award-winning children’s television writer and the author of more than thirty children’s books. The Wind in the Willows sees Tony return to the stage for the first time since 1997. He has previously appeared in the West End, at Chichester Festival Theatre and the National Theatre, as well as with the RSC. Tony received a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2013.
The production will also star Will Kemp who is reprising his role as Ratty. Cris Penfold will play Toad, Christopher Akrill will play Badger and Clemmie Sveaas will play Mole. Other members of the company include: Ewan Wardrop, Paul James Rooney, Kayleigh Gore, Connor Dowling, Kirsty Mather, Anna Martine, Jo Meredith and Aron Wild.
The commercial transfer of The Wind in the Willows this December marks a significant first for the Royal Opera House. CMP will be presenting the Royal Opera House production, which is in its tenth anniversary year, for eight weeks only.
'Based on Kenneth Grahame's timeless classic, the adventures of four woodland friends are retold through dance, song, music and puppetry: From a dusty old attic a wonderful tale unfolds. The peace of the river bank is rocked by a speeding car, a galloping caravan, a racing train and criminal deeds cooked up in the depths of the Wild Wood.'
The escapades of the hot-headed Toad and his loyal friends Ratty, Mole and Badger are brought to life in a production that has charmed audiences of all ages. Drawing inspiration from the music of Edwardian composer George Butterworth, the action is set to a score by Martin Ward.
Andrew Tomlins