A MUCH-LOVED children’s classic is set to take to the stage at Delph’s Millgate Arts Centre as local performers bring the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad to life.
The Wind in the Willows, based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic novel and adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Mike Kenny, will run from November 14 to 21.
The production follows Mole as he leaves Mole End after tiring of spring-cleaning and discovers the excitement of life along the riverbank.
There, he meets the resourceful Ratty, the gruff Badger and the infamous Toad of Toad Hall.
Together, the friends explore the Wide World and the Wild Wood, while attempting to keep Toad out of trouble.
The adaptation combines the charm and mystery of Grahame’s original story with playful theatricality and heartwarming lessons about friendship.
First staged at the Theatre Royal in York in 2010, Kenny’s version has been brought to Millgate by a cast of local performers.
Jake Scott will play Mole, alongside Hugh Hamill as Ratty, James McKean as Toad and Gaynor Padgham as Badger.
The cast also includes Lorraine Reynolds as Chief Weasel, with Ian F Ball providing music and playing the Green Man.
The ensemble features Corinne Bailey, Margaret Thompson, Philip Milburn, Linda Boyles and Louisa Tweedale.
Behind the scenes, the production is directed by Carol Davies, with Pauline Walsh as production assistant and Verity Mann as prompt.
The wider creative team includes Patrick Warrington on sound, David Plowright and Alayne Whitworth on lighting, and Sally McKee on set design.
The production is suitable for audiences aged seven and over.
Performances of The Wind in the Willows will take place at Millgate Arts Centre from November 14 to 21.
Tickets are available through TicketSource at https://www.ticketsource.com/millgateartscentre.
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