This summer, the Chesil Theatre will be returning to the stunning gardens of Wolvesey Palace, by kind permission of the Bishop of Winchester, with an open-air production of The Wind in the Willows from July 17 to 21.

This much-loved, classic children’s storybook by Kenneth Graeme has been adapted by Alan Bennett and will feature all the familiar characters including Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger, who will be performed by an adult cast, as well as some not so familiar woodland creatures who will be played by two teams of children/young people.

Director, Jo Ashwell, said: ‘The Wind in the Willows has always been a favourite of mine. It is a tale about adventure, courage and friendship and provides a lot of scope to work with a combined cast of adults and children, which is something I really enjoy. I am looking forward to bringing the tales of the riverbank to life and can’t wait to begin rehearsals’.

A social reading of The Wind in the Willows is being held at the Chesil Theatre on Friday April 6 at 7.45pm. Open Auditions will take place at the theatre on Saturday April 7 at 10am and Sunday April 8 at 2pm for children/young people and adults. There will be an evening audition on Sunday 8 April at 7.45pm for adults only.