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

On Saturday last I had the pleasure of enjoying Alan Bennett’s adaptation of ‘The Wind in the Willows,’ presented by the Tilbourne Players. This delightfully scenic play with its river, rowing-boat, several subterranean dwellings and a prison cell to boot, seemed a lot to take on in the intimate space of the Tilford stage. But take it on they did, creatively, cleverly, and wonderfully, under the excellent guidance of David Brace and Rob Durrant.

The moment that Ratty met Mole and welcomed him into his boat, I was back in the books and stories of my childhood. It was all there, from the early blossom of spring to the sparse trees lining the banks in the grip of winter. From Ratty’s warm, welcoming home, through the tunnel to the perils of Wild Wood, it was all made visible and vivid.

But, as in the books, the animals were the stars of the show. They took Mr Bennett’s words and delivered them as only those animals can. The kindness of Ratty and the innocence of Mole, both played superbly, were amusing and touching in equal part. Badger was as strong and forthright as ever I remember. The Weasels crept and stole menacingly throughout, and then there was Toad, masterful in his arrogance, powerful in voice, devious in nature, a Rik Mayall of a toad if ever I saw one.

But it is for the conveyance of the play’s moral messages that the company must be congratulated. A tale for Christmas time that told the story of simple animal folk encountering and resisting the thrust of the modern world. Of three friends rallying to save another from a free-fall into trouble, his obsession fuelled by the modern car. And finally witnessing Toad’s new self as a quiet and humble friend, well, almost quiet in his case, was heartwarming and a lesson to us all.

The sweet song of the rabbits, the West Country twang of the horse and the tiny tones of ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter’ from the mice, still rang in my ears as I drove home, with a wide smile on my face. Well done to all, it was a real cracker!

Alan Goodchild