By Martin Brisland.
The Wind in the Willows – Toad’s BIG Musical Adventure, is at MAST Mayflower Studios until 31 December.
Superbly directed by Jacquelyn Ockwell, this festive musical comedy version is a triumph and an absolute must see! This was the ultimate feel-good family-friendly show full of energy, enthusiasm, and smiles. The use of songs such as the ELO favourite Mr. Blue Sky was inspired.
I first read the classic children’s story The Wind in the Willows, written in 1908 by Kenneth Grahame, as a child. I was captivated by the adventures of Mole, Ratty and Badger as they try to help the larger-than-life Mr. Toad with his various obsessions such as driving too fast. It is a story told through animal characters that is about human life. How some of us need to leave our background and explore the big world to find themselves and others can still grow though staying where they feel at home.
The numerous adaptations show that The Wind in the Willows has a timeless appeal. In 1967, the first Pink Floyd album was called The Piper at the Gates of Dawn after the title of Chapter 7 of the book.
In this production, a cast of fifty young people take you on a wonderful journey through the seasons along the banks of the Test, down the open road around the snow-covered New Forest, and through the Wild Wood with its dubious Peaky Blinders type characters to the magnificent Toad Hall.
This is MAST Mayflower Studio’s fourth Christmas Youth Production giving young people aged 11 to 18 the opportunity to work together on a show with a professional creative team. These MAST shows have the highest production standards and a special mention to all involved with the costumes, choreography, sets, lighting, music and sound.
There were many highlights including the beautiful voice of Mole (Grace Harrington) with a version of the Nina Simone song Feeling Good.
I would expect to see some of these actors on a professional stage in years to come. Standout performances came from Alex Lockhart as Toad, Charlie Clifford as Ratty and Thomas Mossman as Badger and there were so many excellent performances in the wider ensemble. The cast were all word, song and dance perfect. This production flowed as easily as the river it was set on.
I would expect to see some of these actors on a professional stage in years to come. Standout performances came from Alex Lockhart as Toad, Charlie Clifford as Ratty and Thomas Mossman as Badger and there were so many excellent performances in the wider ensemble. The cast were all word, song and dance perfect. This production flowed as easily as the river it was set on.
There are still a limited number of tickets available for The Wind in The Willows – Toad’s BIG Musical Adventure with performances until Tuesday 31 December 2024. They are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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