Children’s classic-turned-musical, The Wind in the Willows recently opened in the West End, with performances running until 9th September 2017.
The play is based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel that has captivated multiple generations of readers since its first publication over 100 years ago. It follows the story of Mr Toad whose need for speed lands him in huge trouble. With his home under threat, Toad must attempt a daring escape leading to a series of misadventures.
The Wind in the Willows was adapted for the stage by Academy Award-winning writer and creator of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes. Meanwhile, Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe created the songs.
About The Wind in the Willows cast
Rufus Hound (Toad) is an actor, presenter, and comedian. His theatre credits include Don Quixote (RSC), The Wars of the Roses (Rose Theatre Kingston), and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy). Rufus also starred in TV shows like Trollied, Doctor Who, Cucumber, Drunk History, and A Touch of Cloth.
Simon Lipkin (Rat) studied at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and at Arts Educational. He performed in numerous stage productions like Guys and Dolls (West End), Honeymoon in Vegas (Palladium/West End), and Whisper House (The Other Palace). Simon’s TV and film credits include Show Dogs, Muppets Most Wanted for Disney, and The Harry Hill Movie, among others.
Meanwhile, Craig Mather (Mole) graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. His stage credits include Les Miserables (West End), Sweeney Todd (Harrington’s Pie Shop/West End), and Tonight’s the Night (UK Tour). Craig was also in films Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass and Cinderella.
Neil McDermott has been in many theatre productions such as Only the Brave (Soho/Welsh Millennium Centre), Pride and Prejudice (Lyric/Belfast), and Shrek the Musical (Drury Lane). Additionally, his TV and film appearances include EastEnders, Casualty, Doctor Who, Doctors, and George Gently, to name a few.
With them are Denise Welch, Gary Wilmot, Chris Aukett, Rosanna Bates, Joel Baylis, Jenna Boyd, Abigail Brodie, Jorell Coific-Kamall, Nicole Deon, Emilie du Leslay, James Gant, Joshua Gannon, Evan James, Michael Larcombe, Bethany Linsdell, Ryan Pidgen, Adam Vaughan, Georgie Westall, and Natalie Woods.
