The Wind in the Willows (musical)
| The Wind in the Willows | |
|---|---|
|
The Original Musical Poster | |
| Music | George Stiles |
| Lyrics | Anthony Drewe |
| Book | Julian Fellowes |
| Basis |
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame |
| Productions |
2016 UK Tour 2017 West End |
The Wind in the Willows is a 2016 musical written by Julian Fellowes, with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, based on the novel of the same name, written by Kenneth Grahame.
Background
In December 2011,[1] it was revealed that a musical adaption of the 1908 novel The Wind in the Willows was being worked on[2] by Julian Fellowes with music and lyrics to be produced by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.[2] The trio first worked together on the musical Mary Poppins.[3] In November 2013, a Crowdfunding exercise was launched to raise ten percent[4] of the shows £6.5m budget,[5] with a view to opening the show in London in 2015.[6] Ultimately more than 10% was raised by that means, totalling one million pounds.[7]
The musical has a book by Downton Abbey creator Fellowes,[8] based on the 1908 novel The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame[9] and is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh,[10] with design by Peter McKintosh[11] and lighting by Howard Harrison.[12] The show features an original score by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe.[13] Open auditions were held in April 2016.[14]
Productions
Original UK Tour (2016)
The musical made its world premiere at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from 8 to 22 October 2016, before touring to the Lowry Theatre Salford from 27 October to 6 November 2016 and the Mayflower Theatre Southampton from 10 to 20 November 2016.
In June 2016 the full cast was announced including comedian and actor Rufus Hound as Toad, David Birrell as Badger, Fra Fee as Mole, Thomas Howes as Rat, Neil McDermott as Chief Weael and Sophia Nomvete as Mrs Otter.[15]
West End (2017)
On 8 November 2016, it was announced that the musical will transfer into the West End at the London Palladium, with previews beginning 17 June and opening night 29 June. Rufus Hound will reprise the role of Toad, further cast to be announced.[16]
Differences between the musical and novel
- In the novel, Toad, Mole, Rat, Badger, the Weasels, and Otter are anthropomorphised animals, while in the musical they are portrayed in human form, but with animal characteristics.
Musical numbers
Act 1
|
Act 2 |
Characters and original cast
The characters and original cast:
| Character | Original UK Tour
(2016) |
West End
(2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Toad | Rufus Hound | |
| Badger | David Birrell | |
| Mole | Fra Fee | |
| Rat | Thomas Howes | |
| Chief Weasel | Neil McDermott | |
| Mrs Otter | Sophia Nomvete | |
| Lesser Weasel / Fieldmouse | Dylan Mason | |
| Mrs. Hedgehog / Gaolers Daughter | Jenna Boyd | |
| Mr. Hedgehog | James Gant | |
| Magistrate / Train Driver | Adam Vaughan | |
| Car Driver | Graham Lappin | |
| Head Chorister Fieldmouse | Michael Larcombe | |
| Horse | Courtney Bowman | |
| Horse / Swallow / Fieldmouse | Abigail Brodie | |
| Swallow / Fieldmouse | Beth Anne Linsdell | |
| Rabbit Butler | Evan James | |
| Susie Stoat / Swallow | Karli Vale | |
| Prison Guard | Ryan Pidgen | |
| Scared Weasel | Jorell Coiffic - Kamal | |
| Scared Stoat | Nicole Deon | |
| Swing Extraordinaire | Patrick Sullivan | |
| Swing | Georgie Westall | |
| Sentry Stoat | Rakesh Boury | |
| Bargewoman | Emma Odell | |
| Portia | Jorell Coiffic - Kamal | |
References
- ↑ "Mary Poppins Writers Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe Reunite to Write London Musical "Wind in the Willows"". playbill.com. Playbill. 9 December 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- 1 2 "Downton Abbey writer to stage The Wind In The Willows". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. 9 December 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "Theatregoers given chance to invest in Fellowes, Stiles and Drewe's Wind in the Willows". whatsonstage.com. Whats On Stage. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "Wind in the Willows becomes first West End musical to seek investment from fans". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. 11 November 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "Julian Fellowes musical seeks funding from little beasts". thesundaytimes.co.uk. The Sunday Times. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "Invest in Toad Hall? Wind in the Willows stage show invites funding". theguardian.com. The Guardian. 11 November 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "Wind in the Willows musical raises £1m via online crowdfunding". thestage.co.uk. The Stage. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
- ↑ "New Wind in the Willows musical from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes set for the West End". standard.co.uk. London Evening Standard. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ↑ "Fellowes, Drewe & Stiles to Bring New WIND IN THE WILLOWS Musical to the Stage Next Fall". broadwayworld.com. Broadway World. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ↑ "Wind in the Willows musical set for world premiere". bbc.co.uk/news. BBC News. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ↑ ""Downton Abbey" Writer's Wind in the Willows Musical Sets U.K. Premiere Dates". playbill.com. Playbill. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ↑ "Julian Fellowes' The Wind in the Willows to receive world premiere in Plymouth". thestage.co.uk. The Stage. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ↑ "Julian Fellowes' Wind in the Willows to open in October 2016". whatsonstage.com. Whats On Stage. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ↑ "Wind in the Willows musical to hold open auditions". thestage.co.uk. The Stage. 6 April 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
- ↑ "Rufus Hound to star in new Wind in the Willows musical". Retrieved 2016-06-27.
- ↑ "The Wind In The Willows musical confirms West End dates". WhatsOnStage.com. Retrieved 2016-11-08.
