REHEARSALS are now under way for the highly-anticipated major new musical theatre adaptation of The Wind in the Willows, which arrives in Southampton on its world premiere tour in November.
And creator Julian Fellowes, the Oscar winner behind Downton Abbey, Mary Poppins and Gosford Park , is delighted with progress.
Olivier Award winning composer and lyricist duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe are also looking on as the cast are put through their paces on the adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's beloved novel.
The production stars Rufus Hound as the lovable menace Mr Toad, award-winning actor David Birrell as Badger, Irish actor and singer Fra Fee as Mole, Downton Abbey’s Thomas Howes as Ratty, EastEnders bad-boy and Shrek star Neil McDermott as Chief Weasel and Sophia Nomvete as Mrs Otter.
Julian Fellowes told the Daily Echo: "When (producer) Jamie Hendry came to me, I felt the time was right for a new version as a musical with new music. They'd already hired George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to write the lyrics and we'd had quite a bit of success with Mary Poppins a few years ago, so we found the idea of reuniting appealed.
"Everyone knows of the iconic book, even if they can't remember it. It's a wonderful tale of friendship and we're enjoying it immensely."
The Wind in the Willows is a wild tale about the thrill-seeking 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.
Produced by Jamie Hendry and MJE Productions in association with Theatre Royal Plymouth, The Wind in the Willows is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh.
See it at Mayflower Theatre from November 10 to 20.
Tickets are on sale now from 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here