Glenn Elston’s critically acclaimed outdoor theatre production of Kenneth Grahame’s classic, The Wind in the Willows has made a triumphant return to Kew Gardens this summer, delivering a generous dollop of music, songs, and humour. The Australian Shakespeare Company first brought the immortal story of life on the riverbank to the stage in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne over 35 years ago, and it has run for over 20 years in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
The captivating performance is initially set against the magical backdrop of Kew Gardens’ Main Lake, and takes the audience on a literal and metaphorical journey through the Royal Botanic Gardens to the Wild Wood, culminating in a dramatic battle for Toad Hall. The production contains all the much-loved characters from the original story: anxious Mole (Heather Gorniak), loyal Ratty (Ritesh Manugula), gruff Mr Badger (Daniel Page), and the impetuous Mr Toad (Tom Whalley), but the plot does deviate somewhat from Grahame’s original storyline, and some new characters are introduced. One of these is Head Chief Rabbit (played by Jacob Leeson), who at the outset transforms the children in the audience into ‘little rabbits’. The little rabbits are encouraged to become immersed in the action and are given every opportunity to sing along and become part of the adventure. Guitar songs invite the little rabbits to ‘waggle your ears, wiggle your nose’ and dance along with Head Chief Rabbit and Weasel (played by Welsh actor Scott Gutteridge).
The interactive element of the show guarantees high engagement with the audience (which, at the Sunday morning performance that I attended with my five- and seven-year-old daughters was predominantly comprised of families). This is a show, however, that holds appeal for young and old alike. Characters hurl breadrolls into the audience, run through the seating area and Toad (disguised as a washerwoman) tries– unsuccessfully - to conceal himself amongst the younger spectators. Around halfway through proceedings, the audience gets up and walks en masse to Toad Hall, and the little rabbits head off on an intrepid adventure with Ratty, Mole and Badger into the ‘Wild Wood’ to find Portly (Holly Guiney), a little otter who has gone missing.
There are panto elements, with audience members invited to call out the familiar refrain of ‘he’s behind you’, and the musical aspect (everyone in the cast plays an instrument of some description and sings) adds a wonderful element of whimsy. Adults will enjoy the countless humorous asides (many of which will go over the childrens’ heads), such as references to ‘making Toad Hall great again’, and allusions to dancing the ‘toadal tango’ on ‘Strictly’. During the second act, whilst the children are on their escapade into the ‘Wild Wood’, there is a break-out jam session with Weasel and Head Chief Rabbit playing rap versions of Elton John’s I Guess That’s Why They Call it The Blues and Eminem’s Lose Yourself with hilarious irreverential references to the ‘geriatric badger’ and ‘toad in a hole.’ It is extremely funny.
The Wind in the Willows is a uniquely charming and delightful experience to relish in the picturesque and atmospheric surroundings of Kew Gardens. I enjoyed the rustic feel of the production and the fact that patrons are welcome to bring picnic blankets, along with any food of drinks that they wish to consume during the show.This is a culturally significant production and represents interactive theatre at its very best. It is without doubt one of the most thoroughly enjoyable shows that I have seen to date with my children; I cannot recommend it highly enough.
The Wind in the Willows plays until 1 September at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
For tickets, please visit theatreonkew.org
