The Wind in the Willows (play)

The Wind in the Willows is a play based on the 1908 children's novel of the same name by Kenneth Grahame, adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett, with music by Jeremy Sams.

The Wind in the Willows
Written byAlan Bennett
Based onThe Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame
Music byJeremy Sams
Date premiered12 December 1990
Place premieredOlivier Theatre, Royal National Theatre, London
Original languageEnglish

Production history

edit

The play made its world premiere on 1 December 1990 over the festive period in the Olivier Theatre at the Royal National Theatre, London directed by Nicholas Hytner and designed by Mark Thompson.[1] The production starred Griff Rhys Jones as Toad, David Bamber as Mole, Richard Briers as Rat and Michael Bryant as Badger. Due to the success of the production, it returned on 12 December 1991 for another festive season starring Desmond Barrit as Toad, Adrian Scarborough as Mole, David Ross as Ratty and Bryant returning as Badger.

In 1994, the National Theatre production transferred to The Old Vic where the set design by Mark Thompson had to be modified for its proscenium arch stage. The production was directed by Jeremy Sams and starred Jeremy Sinden as Toad.

Cast and characters

edit
Character Original National Theatre Cast[2] National Theatre revival[3]
1990 1991
Toad Griff Rhys Jones Desmond Barrit
Mole David Bamber Adrian Scarborough
Rat Richard Briers David Ross
Badger Michael Bryant
Otter John Matshikiza
Albert (a horse) Terence Rigby Barry Stanton
Rabbit Charlotte Metcalf
Rabbit / Passenger Tricia Morrish
Hedgehog / Clerk of the Court Mike Murray Roger Swaine
Hedgehog / Washerwoman Mona Hammond Maria Charles
Stoat / Gipsy James Goode
Guy Moore
Chief Weasel Tim McMullan Robin Sneller

Awards and nominations

edit

Original London production

edit
Year Award Category Nominee Result[4]
1991 Laurence Olivier Awards Best Comedy Performance Griff Rhys Jones Nominated
Richard Briers Nominated
Best Director of a Play Nicholas Hytner Nominated
Best Set Designer Mark Thompson Won
Best Costume Designer Nominated
Best Lighting Designer Paul Pyant Nominated

External references

edit
  1. ^ "Shakespeare in the Theatre: Nicholas Hytner 9781472581617, 9781472581600, 9781472581648, 9781472581631". dokumen.pub. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
  2. ^ "CalmView: Overview". catalogue.nationaltheatre.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  3. ^ "Production of The Wind in the Willows | Theatricalia". theatricalia.com. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  4. ^ "Olivier Winners 1991". Olivier Awards. Retrieved 2023-11-15.