The Wind in the Willows
Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th Nov 2021
Based on Kenneth Grahame’s best-selling classic of children’s literature, and with a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and songs by Olivier Award-winning composers and lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, this riotous comedy follows Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr. Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home under threat from the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt a daring escape leading to a series of misadventures and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall. Full of humour, wit, a gorgeous, soaring score, and heartwarming lessons of friendship, SWMTC Youth Group was proud to perform THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS at Saffron Walden Town Hall.
PHOTO GALLERY (Photos by joe higham)
NODA REPORT
11th November 2021
DIRECTOR Laura Thomas
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Paul Garner
CHOREOGRAPHER Siobhan Austin-Guest
Author: Decia Ranger
What an absolute joy it was to be back reviewing a production by this company. It would appear that once word got out that the society was casting for this fabulous show, the young people from the town and beyond couldn’t wait to be a part of it. The result was a large cast all eager to perform after such a long enforced break.
Based on the book by Julian Fellowes and with a delightful musical score by Stiles and Drew, this new version of an old favourite seemed to be just the vehicle to re-launch musical theatre at the venue.
There were so many good performances in this production. Of the principals Toby Kerrison and Corbin Abbasi were excellent as Rat and Mole. Both have strong singing voices and I enjoyed their duet of Messing About in a Boat. Mole’s solo, A Place to Come Home To was beautifully sung by Corbin and judging by the applause, I was not the only person in the audience to think so.
Good performances also from Grace Redfern as Mrs Otter and Sam Kerrison as Mr Toad, a role he really made his own, keeping up the characterisation throughout. Very well done to him.
A lovely performance by Rose Smithet as Badger and well done to Jed Sandeman-Shakespeare as Chief Weasel.
There were some lovely characterisations in this production and the vocals throughout were an absolute delight, including some terrific harmonies. Who knew Swallows could sing so beautifully in three part harmony or that Hedgehog families sang as they lined up to cross the busy road. Did I get a bit carried away? Quite possibly but that’s just the effect the show had on me as all the woodland creatures were brought so beautifully to life.
I must give a mention here to Caitlin Johnson as Horse. She perfectly captured the haughty bearing of a thoroughbred as she drew Toad’s latest mode of transport, a caravan. A comparatively small role but never the less a significant one.
The main characters were well supported by a large the large chorus, all of whom were obviously having a great time on stage.
The society excels at bringing the wow factor to its sets and this was no exception. The open stage seemed to draw us in to the world of the woodland characters, some of whom appeared before ‘curtain up’ to give us a taste of what was to come. We saw Rat’s boat moored on the river bank, a bridge and steps which looked for all the world as though they had been there for ages, such was the effect of the “weathered” wood, and all overhung by a graceful willow tree. The mole hill and badger sett which, with a few deft moves allowed us to see inside had been cleverly thought out and constructed. The set was further enhanced with some projected scenery as well as subtle set dressings to depict the changing seasons. Scene changes were swiftly and silently made without any interruption to the proceedings.
Woodland characters have, of course, to be suitably attired and congratulations must go to Rachel Betts and her assistants for creating the lovely costumes.
The orchestra under the direction of Paul Garner and out of sight behind the stage, created just the right balance, enabling the young voices to be easily heard.
This was a well-directed show with good vocals and some great choreography.
Congratulations to all involved. Thank you for inviting me and for your hospitality. We had a very enjoyable evening.