The Wind In The Willows Announced Pre-West End Dates

Producers of the new musical adaptation of The Wind In The Willows have announced the show will open at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on October 8 2016, followed by the Lowry in Salford from 26 October 2016 prior to opening at the West End. The Wind In The Willows is being created by Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, based on the book by Kenneth Grahame, which has delighted readers for over a century.This is the first time that the Drewe, Stiles and Fellowes have worked together since they collaborated on the international hit musical Mary Poppins which ran for over three years in the West End and six years on Broadway and is now about to undertake a major UK Tour. Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale about the thrill-seeking, lovable menace Mr Toad comes to life in a brand new stage musical. 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 raised over £1million through a public investment scheme last year which saw hundreds of members of the public invest in the musical in amounts of up to £5000, the highest amount reported to have ever been raised through a public investment platform for a theatrical production.

The Wind In The Willows is being developed and produced by Jamie Hendry Productions and presented in association with the Theatre Royal Plymouth, The Wind In The Willows will be directed by Rachel Kavanaugh with design by Peter Mackintosh and lighting design by Howard Harrison.

Julian Fellowes said: "I could not be more pleased to have been working on this new production of The Wind in the Willows, which has been a favourite of mine literally all my life. It has been a real privilege to be part of the team re-imagining it for the musical stage. As an added bonus, I've really enjoyed being back in the Stiles/Drewe/Fellowes team with our last production of Mary Poppins being a high point for all of us. Naturally, I have similar hopes for The Wind in the Willows and I shall be on the edge of my seat when we open at Plymouth, a marvellous theatre and the perfect launch pad for us to begin. Of course I would say all this, wouldn't I? But I do believe audiences everywhere will love the adventures of Toad, Ratty, Mole, Badger and their friends, on stage, as much as they have always loved the book. I certainly hope so, anyway."

Casting will be announced in due course.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS UK TOUR 2016

8 October - 22 October 2016

Theatre Royal Plymouth

26 October - 6 November 2016

The Lowry, Salford