Wind in the Willows premieres at The LowryWind in the Willows

The Wind in the Willows reminds me of my childhood, watching cartoons with my sister after school or at the weekend (though my kids think I’m so old I couldn’t possibly have had a TV!). Originally a novel in 1908 before being brought to the small screen by CHF Entertainments, the same people who now bring us shows like Pip Ahoy!, Wind in the Willows really has stood the test of time.

When I saw The Wind in the Willows advertised as being on the stage at The Lowry I really wanted to take the boys. I have tried before to introduce them to programmes from my childhood but the graphics from the 80s just don’t seem to cut it and they aren’t all that interested for the most part. I thought maybe a stage adaptation would do it though.

Based on Kenneth Grahame’s treasured novel The Wind in the Willows has been adapted for the stage with a book by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

We took our seats and the show began with a song from Mole. The kids were immediately taken by him and I watched them become quickly immersed in the performance. It was lovely to see them so enthralled.

wind in the willows

Fra Fee was exceptional as Mole

Another song followed Mole’s intro, this time from the majority of the cast. The songs were enjoyable but the story didn’t really get started until a few songs in. This didn’t matter a jot to either me or the children though, we simply enjoyed getting to know the characters.

Once the story was underway the children giggled, laughed out loud and even shrieked in delight as they followed the adventures of Mr. Toad, Mrs. Otter, Portia, Badger, Ratty and Mole.

October half term
Wind in the Willows, Lowry Theatre

Ratty, Badger and Mole join the exuberant Toad and embark on a series of adventures and misadventures caused by his insatiable need for speed! Imprisoned for theft and with his existence under threat from their enemies, The Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt a daring escape to defend Toad Hall.

We thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance. The show is quite long, with around an hour’s performance either side of the 20 minute interval, but it was enchanting enough to hold the children’s attention throughout.

Catch The Wind in the Willows at The Lowry before 6th November 2016 by buying tickets here.

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