Casting for the world premiere production of the musical adaption of The Wind in the Willows has been confirmed.
The news has been released ahead of the musical’s premiere at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from 8th October 2016 followed by dates at The Lowry in Salford and the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton prior to opening in London’s West End.
Starring in the musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel is actor and comedian Rufus Hound (Mr Toad), Fra Fee as Mole, Downton Abbey’s Thomas Howes as Ratty, EastEnders bad-boy and Shrek star Neil McDermott as Chief Weasel and Sophia Nomvete as Mrs Otter.
The cast will also include: Rakesh Boury, Courtney Bowman, Jenna Boyd, Abigail Brodie, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Nicole Deon, James Gant, Evan James, Graham Lappin, Michael Larcombe, Bethany Linsdell, Dylan Mason, Emma Odell, Ryan Pidgen, Patrick Sullivan, Karli Vale, Adam Vaughan, Georgie Westall and Holly Willock.
The Wind in the Willows has been adapted for the stage by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. All three have also collaborated together on international hit musical Mary Poppins which ran for three years in the West End and six years on Broadway and on a new version of Half a Sixpence, soon to open at the Chichester Festival Theatre.
Rufus Hound said of taking part in this new musical: “I – like so many of us – was weaned on The Wind in the Willows, so this is an incredibly special opportunity. Bringing these adventures to a brand new audience is almost as exciting as a gleaming new motorcar. Roll on rehearsals! Poop poop!”
Meanwhile, Julian Fellowes commented: “This new adaptation has been such a joy to write, and we have pulled together a really marvellous array of extraordinary talent in casting the production. I’ve no doubt that our actors are going to have the time of their lives taking these memorable characters on the journey from page to stage.”
Ratty, Badger and Mole join the exuberant Toad and embark on a series of adventures and misadventures caused by his insatiable need for speed! Imprisoned for theft and with his existence under threat from the inhabitants of the Wild Wood, Toad must attempt a daring escape to defend Toad Hall. Featuring spectacular stagecraft and a company of over fifty, this sparkling new musical with a glorious original score brings this treasured British classic to life in what is set to be 2016’s wildest theatrical adventure!
The Wind in the Willows will open at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on the 8th October 2016, before travelling to The Lowry in Salford and the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton prior to opening in the West End. For more information and to book tickets visit: http://windinthewillowsthemusical.com/