Piers Torday is the writer of The Wind in the Willows Wilton’s, bringing Kenneth Grahame’s compelling The Wind in the Willows to Wilton’s Music Hall, in a brand-new version by the acclaimed children’s author that will immerse adults and children (+5 years) into the charming and playful world of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad.
Here, in one of London’s most atmospheric spaces, the renowned story is reimagined by Piers Torday and designer Tom Piper for the enchanting Wilton’s; Elizabeth Freestone’s directorship will breathe new life into Grahame’s characters as they romp through London, starting in Hyde Park in the spring and ending in Mole’s home at Christmas, on the way fighting against the money-grabbing weasels with lots of adventures in between with their ferret and stoat accomplices.
This festive production, directed by Elisabeth Freestone, will run at Wilton’s Music Hall for a strictly limited seasonal from 24 November 21 to 31 December 2022.
You’re bringing a new version of The Wind in the Willows to Wilton’s Music Hall, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s an updated version of the much loved children’s book, set on the London section of Thames in 2022. Just as the original book looked to the future, with speeding motor cars galore, this speaks to our time. This is Wind in the Willows as you’ve never seen it before for a contemporary, diverse audience. And we’ve given it a proper narrative arc too…
What made you want to adapt this classic story for modern day audiences?
The book may be well over a hundred years old, but this Christmas it is just what we need. A tale of unbridled heart and joy, celebrating friendship and overcoming difference, a pean to our beautiful nature and wildlife…this is feelgood with a capital F.
Why do you think Wilton’s is the ideal venue for this production?
I have never worked anywhere with such a magical atmosphere. You can almost hear the ghosts of theatre and music hall past speaking to you through the walls. There are not many theatres that inject such character and history into everything staged there – and so the building brings the nostalgia and charm for this classic, leaving us free to adapt the story and bring it up to date.
You’re no stranger to writing for youngsters, do you need to think differently when it’s a stage production you’re writing?
Yes, because apart from school trips, most children experience Christmas shows as part of a family group including adults. Like all successful family shows and movies, we want the story and humour to operate on multiple levels…luckily Wind in the Willows is perfect for that because that’s just how the original works – part charming talking animal adventure, part social comedy of manners.
Tell us a little more about the music that features in this show?
There are several songs in the book (and Toad tries to sing most of them) and the lyricism of Wind in the Willows is one of its most enduring qualities. I’ve adapted them and written some new ones and with composer Chris Warner. In keeping with the Wilton’s vibe, they are inspired by folk music, using found instruments – a warm, intimate pub gig atmosphere.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see The Wind in the Willows Wilton’s?
God knows we need cheering up at the moment, after three increasingly insane years, and we are straining every sinew to do that for you. There will be picnics, puppets and songs, not to mention a weasel or two…
Comments 1