Rose Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of The Wind in the Willows, a new adaptation by Rob Evans with music by John Biddle, based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel.
Directed by Owen Horsley, the production runs at Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames from 25 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with a press performance scheduled for 3 December.
The Christmas production marks Horsley’s return to the venue following his acclaimed staging of Cinderella in 2025. The new adaptation will feature a professional cast performing alongside the Rose Youth Theatre.
The cast includes Tori Burgess as Badger, Julian Holt as Toad, Charlotte Mills as Chief Weasel, James Pedley-Holden as Mole and Kingdom Sibanda as Ratty.
Joining Evans, Biddle and Horsley on the creative team are Bretta Gerecke, Dan Balfour, Oli Townsend, Shay Barclay, Jody Robinson, Pippa Dykes, Arthur Carrington and Claudette Williams.
Christopher Haydon, Rose Theatre’s Artistic Director, said: “I am abuzz with anticipation for our Christmas show this year. The Wind in the Willows is a perennial classic and Rob Evans’ brand new adaptation is absolutely gorgeous – witty, exciting and fantastically festive. Director Owen Horsley has assembled a first rate cast and I’ve no doubt they will bring seasonal joy to all the families we look forward to welcoming through our doors. I certainly can’t wait for my own little ones to see it. It may not even be October yet, but Merry Christmas!”
Director Owen Horsley added: “I’m thrilled to be coming back to the Rose Theatre this year, directing their Christmas show with such a talented company. The Wind in the Willows is a wonderful story, and its iconic characters – Ratty, Badger, Mole and Toad – have resonated across generations. There’s something really special about theatre at Christmas: the excitement, the anticipation, and the sense of families coming together to share an experience. This version of The Wind in the Willows is going to be perfect for that. We’re creating something colourful, engaging and full of surprises, and I can’t wait for audiences to come and join us.”
Writer Rob Evans said: “Writing for a Christmas audience is a privilege and a unique opportunity to write for everyone – young people, their adults, grandparents – everyone is in the same space about to watch something together, so it better be magical and it better make you laugh. I hope this adaptation of The Wind in the Willows will do both. It’s full of excitement, snow-filled adventures and one Mole’s journey to finding true friends and a home he must fight for.”
The production follows Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad as their friendship is tested by the scheming Chief Weasel, in a festive adventure packed with music, laughter and seasonal magic for audiences of all ages.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
