This evening I enjoyed an excellent outdoor production of 'Wind in the Willows' put on by the Nannerch Players. While the script was adapted for stage by Alan Bennett, Kenneth Grahame's original lines are often brilliantly funny and perceptive. The play works for children as a rather bizarre story, yet it also contains deeper meanings, especially I think when Toad finally learns that to succeed in life he has to deceive his friends by hiding his true personality. In the end Toad gets away with it!
This production took place in an idyllic setting in a field in Nannerch. The set itself was impressive and contained a moving rowing boat, a canal boat, and even a vintage car (before Toad crashed it) was driven on. The costumes were outstanding. Of special note on a large set, and on a breezy evening, was the quality of the sound. Every syllable uttered by the actors was audible. Nannerch Players have some very talented actors; a memorable evening!
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| Ratty and Moley start their epic adventure. |
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| The cast take their well-deserved applause; the rain held off until the moment the show ended. |
I really like the Alan Bennett version - clearly a massive sideswipe at Thatcherite yuppies from a liberal-nostalgic-paternalist position.
ReplyDeleteI saw it a few Christmases ago at Birmingham Rep. My then-girlfriend and I were the only adults there, other than a few primary school teachers accompanying their charges.
After the weasels took over Toad Hall, there was a short break. The next scene saw the lights come up on a single weasel dressed as a magician, complete with a top hat which he held in front of him, one paw gripping the ears of the rabbit about to be pulled out.
Only… the ears were attached only to bloody stumps. 2000 children started crying. As did my girlfriend.
I didn't mention the obvious issues of sexuality in the play! Badger and Moley clearly have a thing for each other; whereas Ratty is confused. I am sure Alan Bennett meant us to ask (or rather think) about that! What a place the river bank is!
ReplyDeleteI must say i loved this post. You describe this topic very well.
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