POOP POOP!!!!!

It's not often that I go an see something and have no idea what to expect. Usually, when I go and see a show, I have either listened to a couple of numbers, or have the downloaded the album and may or may not be completely obsessed; and while I of course knew the story to the particular show in question (as many people do), this I had no idea how they were going to adapt it, or what the music would be like - as it was a brand new piece! I am talking about the new musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, which has music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and a book by Julian Fellowes (yes, as in Downton Abbey man), the same team behind the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins.
Currently at Salford Quay's Lowry (until 6th November 2016), the show had its premiere a couple of weeks ago in Plymouth, the show will then go to Southampton before a rumoured West End run.

I, like many others, have loved the book ever since I was a child, and I will say before going any further a quick reminder (and this of course applies to anything like this) - it is an adaptation, so there are going to be small changes from the original source. Of course, this is a golden rule before seeing anything like this, but (as we all fall habit to), sometimes forget, and I had a case of that for a bit - only reaching the "Of course it's not going to be the same, snap out of it!" point, did I really start to fully enjoy it.
And a second note for anyone hoping to bring small children, be aware that the first half is pretty long - in fact, I was starting to think there wasn't going to be a break........

With that out of the way, let's get into the proper stuff.

Stiles and Drewe have a very British sound to their music, which obviously works for a very British story; highlights include Spring (which has a bit of a Les Mis sound (but happier) sound about it), The Hedgehogs Nightmare and The Wassailing Mice (which were adorable!), as well as Toad's big moments, particularly As If In A Dream. If you're interested, click here to hear a couple of songs to give you an idea, until the cast recording comes out.

Speaking of Mr Toad, he was played by comedian and presenter Rufus Hound - and you could tell he was the star of the piece. He is a very different Toad than you would probably be used to, though he is still as big-headed as you would expect, this Toad would more likely say "Right lads!" rather than "Hello chaps!" - but let me tell you, for this adaptation, it really really works! His comic timing was just incredible and you looked forward to every entrance he made. Plus, he makes a rather attractive woman =P
Elsewhere in the cast department, the company also included David Birrell as Badger, Thomas Howes as Rat and Fra Fee as (my favourite character) an adorable Mole, along with Neil McDermott
as the Chief Weasel (who had an expanded part along with the other weasels, stoats and foxes; this was an excellent addition, as everyone loves a good villain).

I also have to give a mention to Peter McKintosh (set and costume) and Linda McKnight (hair and makeup), as they both did a fantastic job. Each scene flowed into each other seamlessly, and I really enjoyed the different take on showcasing all the different animals; each had their own characteristics, such as the spiky jackets for the hedgehogs, the weasels as Guys and Dolls-style gangsters and the fox-hunter with a tail for the foxes (I know, that was incredibly ironic), but they also left a little bit to the audience's imagination. It's an inspiring touch that we don't see every often nowadays.

I would definitely go and see this if you have children in your family, as they will lap it up. And if you don't have children, you'll probably lap it up too. This fresh take on The Wind in the Willows will make you see the book in a new light, all the while it being just as charming, sweet and incredibly funny. It will be guaranteed to laugh out loud at some point, and to put a smile on your face.

Watch this space when it goes to the West End.