The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett

The Wind in the Willows

directed by David Brace, designed by Rob Durrant

The next production for Tilbourne Players will be The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. What a great choice. It was a favourite book of mine when I was growing up and I passed this love on to my daughter, who was so so keen on the story that she called her imaginary brother Ratty and they often played on the river bank near where we live, the surrounding area becoming the Wild Wood and the Wide World, appropriately.

So it was with great pleasure that I heard that David Brace and Rob Durrant were contemplating this for their next production. Alan Bennett’s adaptation of the play, sparkling with wit and emphasising Bennet’s love of the English language makes it so endearing and recalls a past long forgotten where trips on the river and picnics brought about the ultimate enjoyment.

Kenneth Grahame described his childhood at his grandmother’s house, on the banks of the Thames at Cookham Dene, as idyllic and it is this setting which inspired the book and its glorious array of characters. At first a bedtime story for his son, Alastair, it became what we now know as The Wind in the Willows. We have all known a Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad and I am sure that Grahame had met the characters he created, in real life.

David and Rob have selected a very talented cast for this play and, remembering past plays which this team have directed/produced, it will be both impressive and appealing. So please make sure that you you get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Performances take place at the Tilford Institute from 26th-29th of November at 7:30, with a matinée at 2pm on Saturday the 29th. Please visit www.tilbourneplayers.org.uk for tickets, which cost £13 including programme.

Hilary Lee-Corbin