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The Wind in the Willows

Adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett, this production of Kenneth Graeme’s classic The Wind in the Willows, is cosy festive family fun. Just in time for the panto season the production includes singing, dancing, a live band and some fantastic staging complete with a moving rowing boat, motor car, gypsy caravan and barge.

The tales of Ratty (Christopher Wright), Moley (Sophie Gajewicz), Badger (Robert Calvert) and the incorrigible, preposterous Toad (Paul Barnhill) have delighted people of all ages for generations. When Mole abandons his spring-cleaning for the enchanting world of the river-bank, so begins an adventure that leads to magnificent Toad Hall, to the open road (poop poop!), to the perilous Wild Wood - and finally to battle!

First performed at the Royal National Theatre in December 1990, Alan Bennett’s version uses his own special humour to convey the charming personalities of the animals:

"It's never the wrong time to call on Toad. Early or late he's always the same fellow. Always good-tempered, always glad to see you, always sorry when you go!"

The production is a visual delight and includes a video screen manned by bunnies, the animals singing around a life-like camp fire and a dramatic battle scene where they take on the baddies – the weasels – dressed as a band of 30s gangsters.

Like the set, the costumes are fabulous - Ratty is real English gentleman in a yachting outfit (except for his tale!), Moley jumps around in his Dr Martens, Badger has black and white striped hair and Toad is head-to-toe in tweed.

The production, which runs until Saturday 14 January 2012 at The Lowry, is ideal for children aged six and upwards. Adults will enjoy the gentle drama of this Northern riverbank just as much as their children.

www.thelowry.com

Tickets cost:

Adults £13.50-£18

Children £9.50

Concessions £12.50-£17

Family tickets (two adults, two children) £44-£53