Hey all, so it's been around a month since my last post so here I am, finally back with a brand new post for you! This post is going to be based around a theatre show - I am aware my last post was about Half A Sixpence so apologies for doing two musical themed posts in a row but whilst it's still fresh in my mind, I wanted to share my trip to see The Wind in the Willows. Hope you enjoy!
So yesterday - Tuesday 29th August - I took myself to see The Wind in the Willows for a second time at the London Palladium. I booked myself a last minute ticket on Monday and managed to get front row of the stalls - and the seat number was 16, my lucky number - what luck! I saw the show a few weeks ago with my friend Emily and just had to see it again as it is just an amazing piece of theatre and it's a real shame its closing!
I'm sure everyone has heard the story of The Wind in the Willows at some point in their life, it's a classic and timeless children's story and has been adapted for this stage version, and personally, I think it's incredible.
The Wind in the Willows follows the adventures of different animal friends. You have Mole, Rat, Toad, Badger and friends who live by the river, and you also have Weasels, Foxes and Stoats who live in the 'wild wood'. The opening of the show sees many of the animals come out for the first day of spring - this is where we first meet Mole who comes out of his home where he's been spring cleaning. The opening song also reflects this as it is titled 'Spring' - this really is a beautifully written song and shows all the different animals preparing for spring to arrive. Mole soon ends up at the river where he meets Rat and the two soon build up a friendship sailing around the river in a little blue boat and sing one of my personal favourite songs 'Messing About in a Boat'. During their adventures they come across Mrs Otter and of course, Mr Toad.
This whole show is about love, friendship and adventure and it draws you in from start to finish. Every scene is different and amazing in its own right and it really is a wonderful show. As I mentioned one of my favourite songs above, another has to be "We're The Wild Wooders" sung by the Chief Weasel, Weasels, Foxes and Stoats. This song shows the slightly darker side to the show but is still full of so much energy - the singing, dancing, its all so energetic and done SO well. I think my favourite song overall though, has to be 'A Friend is still a Friend". The lyrics in this song for me, speak so truthfully and reminds you what friendship is about and to stick together no matter what. I'd highly recommend listening to this song if you're ever feeling a bit down or alone, just to remember that no matter what you may go through in life, friends are still friends and we should stick by one another even in hard times.
This show is truly wonderful and enjoyable throughout every second and I certainly left with a smile on my face. I truly hope one day, it may come back to London and if it does, i'll be there to see it again without a doubt! Huge thank you and well done to all the cast and crew for putting on such a fabulous show!
I've also got to mention some of the principle cast members as they're truly fantastic:
Craig Mather playing Mole - now I truly adore this guy and for anyone who may not know him, he's previously been in shows such as Sweeney Todd and Les Mis which is where I know him from when he was playing Marius. He's also been in films such as the live action version of Cinderella and Alice - Through The Looking Glass. Craig has such a beautiful voice to listen to and I really loved his portrayal of Mole, a good natured, curious animal and he plays the role perfectly. It's been a joy to watch him in a more upbeat role and a happier show, he's a hugely talented performer and such a nice guy to talk to also. If anyone reading this is into musicals, definitely keep an eye out for his name in the future!
Simon Lipkin playing Rat - i'd not heard of Simon before this show but bloody hell does he have a amazing voice! His portrayal of Rat is fabulous to see and he's a truly incredible performer. I hugely enjoyed watching him in the role, especially him and Craig together as they show the friendship between Rat & Mole wonderfully and i'll definitely be keeping my eye out to see what he may do in the future. Again, a lovely guy to chat to, although it was a bit brief when I spoke to him as I was a bit shy and he was probably wanting to go and get some food in between shows, none the less, he's a wonderful man.
Neil McDermott playing Chief Weasel - okay so anyone who knows me well will know i'm also a bit of an Eastenders geek - and pretty proud to say that too! Neil used to play Ryan Malloy in Eastenders which is where I first fell in love with him, so obviously I was a little excited to see him in Wind in the Willows and I can say, he did not disappoint. Weasels are known mischief makers and he truly portrays that PERFECTLY in the role of Chief Weasel. He has so much energy when he performs and really gives the impression he's absolutely loving life in the role which makes it even more enjoyable to watch. His performance is gripping and exciting and, if i'm honest, he made me fall in love a little more and steer toward being #TeamWeasel. I was also pretty happy getting the chance to meet and speak to him briefly after the show, although my shyness almost stopped that so a big thank you to the lovely lady who stopped him for me! I think i'll definitely be keeping a close eye to see what he may do in the future too as he's an incredible and exciting performer to watch!
Rufus Hound as Toad - I think almost everyone has heard of Rufus Hound and honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect seeing him in a musical but I can tell everyone now, he was fantastic!! I think he's probably perfect for the role of Toad as he's hilarious and creates a wonderful energy for Toad and has the whole audience clapping and laughing at his brilliant performance.
Denise Welch as Mrs Otter - another quite common name here and again she was brilliant! She portrays Mrs Otter in a strong yet emotional way and is just truly wonderful.
Gary Wilmot as Badger - again, a name i'd personally not come across but many others at the shows have and I can see why he's so loved. He has a very powerful and amazing voice and is just brilliant playing Badger.
I'm going to wrap this post up now and again say a HUGE well done to the wonderful cast and crew of the show, had me smiling from start to finish with brilliant, heartfelt songs, a great energy and atmosphere for the audience. Thank you to the cast for putting on such a fabulous show and making me smile and making me happy for a few hours, a truly special cast and show which will definitely be missed!
I hope you've enjoyed reading, let me know your thoughts and i'll be back very soon with a new post! Beki x
