Sydney review- The Wind In The Willows: fast-moving, humorous and captivating

By Paul Kiely

The Wind In The Willows

By Kenneth Grahame

Artistic Directed by Glenn Elston

An Australian Shakespeare Company / Glenn Elston Production

Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney

Season: 5/1 – 28/1/24   Bookings: https://shakespeareaustralia.com.au

               Duration: 90 minutes approx. (plus location change)

Those familiar with the great English children’s classic tale ‘The Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame will be pleasantly entertained by the Australian Shakespeare Company adaptation now on in Sydney.

Utilising the wonderful natural attributes of the Royal Botanic Garden and Farm Cove as backdrops, the picnic-inspired open theatre leaves a lasting memory for littlies and oldies alike.

Our 6 pm show was ideal. We sat ready on a balmy, summer evening with picnic rug, snacks and drinks. Our two young critics, Harry and Oliver (aged 7) gave full attention, sometimes running back and forth to the stage. They remained mesmerised throughout the show and dutifully waggled their ears and wiggled their nose as directed by Head Chief Rabbit.

Glenn Elston’s production of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ is a wild adaptation of the original novel with a sometimes-irreverent Aussie slant. The content is inoffensive to children and very funny to adults. It is a hugely successful upgrade of the children’s story which caters for wider generational appeal.

All the popular animal characters are on show: Weasel, Mole, Ratty, Badger, Otter, Young Portley, Toad and the Policeman. Although not an original character, Head Chief Rabbit acts as a conduit between an audience of young rabbits (the children) and the main players. There is also a special cameo for an unsuspecting adult member of the audience who helps out as ‘General Pandemonium.’

The show is fast-moving, humorous and captivating throughout.

It begins on the lawn near the Main Pond in the Gardens. Rabbit sets the scene via song and guitar but is soon interjected by Weasel from within the audience. Weasel pokes fun at Rabbit whilst moving around us unnerved picnickers, helping himself to whatever snacks he can swipe. Over the next 40 minutes, other central characters are introduced in line with the ‘Willows’ plot. Notably, Ratty makes a grand entrance by row boat across Main Pond.

There is no formal interval, but the audience are asked to relocate to a small hill overlooking Farm Cove. Here, the story then continues outside Toad Hall.

Now we see the eccentric Mr Toad dominate proceedings as he creates all sorts of trouble for him and his friends. There is a car accident, a court case, unlawful squatters and a prison escape – all imaginatively performed to keep the attention of the children.

All the children are recruited to help search for Otter’s son, Young Portley, and they all eagerly wander away (fortunately supervised!).

Now the tone of the story is unashamedly directed at the adults. “I hope you sent away the kids you can do without” warns a laughing Head Chief Rabbit. Soon, the children return having successfully found Young Portley.

Full marks to the Australian Shakespeare Company. For 22 years ‘The Wind In The Willows’ has been an annual event in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The performers are all consummate entertainers working with a splendid and witty script.

For ninety minutes, the audience is enthralled.

 For children, dazzling costumes and cheeky characterisations manage to keep them enchanted, much to the delight of their parents or grandparents. The music and songs are lively. Sets and props, such as Toad Hall, the wagon, car, bike, guitars and drums, activate their young imaginations. The glee on children’s faces was heart-warming.

Judging by the feedback from my critic focus group, Oliver and Harry, it is the best holiday entertainment they have seen! They will be back next year.

‘The Wind in the Willows.’ See it. It is fun galore!