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Toad – Andy Healey-Childs
Ratty – Steve French
Mole – Lyn Hinde
Badger – Steve Collinson
Mrs Otter – Sarah Davies
Portia – Violet Healey
Chief Weasel – George Parry
Lesser Weasel – Di Harris
First Stoat – Isaac Price
Washerwoman – Kerri Collinson
Magistrate – Mark Parry
Car Driver/Kingfisher – Rosie Winstone
Horse – Rachel Parry
Rabbit Butler – Kath Burleton
Swallows – Imogen Elstob, Rose Elstob, Louise Cooper, Jemima Leatt, Imogen Crees, Nikki Wyatt
Hedgehogs – Jenny Candler, Graham Blunt, Ivy Childs, Joshua Dyas
Stoat Guards – Louise Cooper, Jemima Leatt
Wasailling Mice – Imogen Elstob, Rose Elstob, Bella Ham, Halle Winstone, Casper Day, Barnaby Wood, Envy Wood, Jemima Leatt, Isaac Price, Joshua Dyas, Ivy Childs,
Policewoman – Nikki Wyatt
Sound – John Carroll
Lights – Dave Gouldney
Prompt – Liz Owen
Prop Painting – Toby Harrison
Backstage Crew – Caroline Glasby, Chris Wyatt
Make Up – Fen Jones, Debbie Minter, Liz Owen, Anna Leatt, Annette Healey-Childs
Wardrobe Assistants – Pam Price, Gwen Mackenzie, Eileen Cheetham
Photos – Myrtle Pizzey
Tea & Biscuits – Gay Harrison, Stephen Harrison
Front of House – Stephen Harrison, Dave Hayward, Claire Ham, Darren Phillips
Chaperones – Nicola Dyas, Claire Ham, Pam Price, Marc Price, Annette Healey-Childs, Doreen Grant
Wookey Theatre Group has once again staged a sold out performance, this time with a colourful and humorous musical adaption of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Playing to a packed room in Wookey Village Hall, the musical offered suspense and delight from beginning to end.
The heartwarming story follows the adventures of animal friends Mole, Ratty and Badger as they embark on a journey to help keep the errant Mr Toad on the right side of the law. The plot unfolds as these charming characters navigate mischief and the ever changing seasons of the riverbank.
You could be forgiven for thinking this was a professional production, and I had to keep reminding myself I was in a small village hall in rural Somerset. The comedy timing between Mole (Lyn Hinde) and Ratty (Steve French) was a joy to behold, and the room was filled with laughter from the outset. Andy Healey-Childs’ raucous and playful performance as Toad brought an endearing quality to this dubious character , keeping the audience on his side throughout.
For a small venue, the technical side of things was quite amazing. Director Polly Carroll used her skill and imagination to bring the whole thing to life, and the entire show was beautifully staged and choreographed. Clever make-up techniques and costume design gave each animal a charming human and the wonderful hand painted set and brightly coloured props emphasised the high level of quality throughout this production. The use of lighting, particularly for the wild wonders scenes instantly transformed the mood, and the sound quality was impeccable.
Special mentions should go to fantastic solo performances from Portia (Violet Healey), Mrs Otter (Sarah Davies), Badger (Steve Collinson) and Chief Weasel (George Parry). Whilst there is not enough room to mention all cast and crew, everyone involved in this delightful production were well deserving of the standing ovation received on Wednesday night, and this is certainly a five star review from me.
