Believe me my young friend, there is absolutely nothing half so much worth
doing as simply messing about in boats. In them or out of them it doesn't
really matter.
Whether you get away or not, whether you arrive at your destination or whether
you never get anywhere at all you are always busy.
When
the final performance of last year's open-air production by Shrewsbury Theatre
Guild was halted due to a torrential downpour, it was the first time rain
had stopped play for 20 years.
The cast were obviously determined not to give in to the elements so easily
this year, and are set to see the performance through whatever the weather.
On the opening night of The Wind in the Willows, the rain stopped only momentarily
- but the sun was shining on the stage throughout as the show went on.
The actors did not so much as bat an eyelid to flick away a rain drop.
Despite the weather, it was an enchanting experience, and a delight to be
reintroduced to the lives of Rat, Mole Toad, Badger and Friends. Youngsters
in the cast playing the field mice, hedgehogs and other animals gave spectacular
performances, and never once did any of them forget to smile or loose the
plot, in spite of cold and the rain. James Ashfield as Rat took the brunt
of the storm, along with Lorraine Reader as Mole, as the pair were on stage
most of the time James who has been observing his own pet rats to perfect
his verminous role, has really got it off to a fine art.
At the same time Ratty's grumpy side brings a touch of Victor Meldrew style
humour to the role which is most entertaining.
The audience fall in love with Mole straight away. Lorraine Reader becomes
remarkably mole like and needy as she brings the character to life.
When Mark Smith Leaps onto the stage as Toad of Toad Hall the show moves up
another gear as his enthusiasm for the part takes grip.
He too has perfected a special toad like stance, which has the audience believing
that he truly has scales beneath his clothes. Martin Jones deserves credit
for his subtle but effective transformation into the powerful role of Badger.
Tim Baker as the old brummie horse Albert is a scream and Chief Weasel Karen
Evans and Co put in great performances as the gangsters who plot to take over
Toad Hall.
The cast and back stage crew have obviously worked hard together to produce
a show not to be missed.
So don't hang around for the rain to stop. Equip yourselves with wellies and
waterproofs and get along to the next performance - you won't regret it.
James
Ashfield as Rat, Mark Smith as Toad and Martin Jones as Badger
