KATS bring Ratty, Mole and the irrepressible Mr Toad to wonderous life with Wind in the Willows

For the first time in years, I missed a KATS performance - so I sent my husband Dave to write the review this time - you don't have to be as disappointed as I was though - there are still tickets for tomorrow night and it is not to be missed! 

Review by Dave Wasilewski

There are certain memories from childhood that stay with you, ingrained deep in your psyche and for me, Mr Toad murmuring “Poop Poop” having just been run off the road by a shiny new motorcar is one of those memories.

Ollie Simmonds as Mole and Annalese Murray as Ratty

With that in mind, hearing that the next KATS production was to be The Wind in the Willows,  I was rather looking forward to it. I was a rather late convert to the world of KATS – I must admit I was rather wary of amateur theatre – thinking it would be just that, amateur. How wrong I was! KATS is anything but, from fantastic acting to incredible musical numbers all the way to brilliant set design – I was looking forward to seeing how they took a childhood favourite and transformed it in the way that KATS does.

It was a solo trip this time, my wife suffering with the cough and cold that all parents have constantly, and us thinking maybe not a good idea for the cast and crew to have to deal with a constant cough through the opening night. 

From the moment I arrived and saw the set design I knew it was going to be a great rendition. From Ratty's boat nestled at the side of the stage under the trees to an expansive riverscape backdrop – and of course Toad Halls façade on the other side the set looked beautiful with no detail missed.  

Gaynor Kemble as Badger and Annalese Murray as Rattie 

The hall was absolutely packed, there was a real buzz and all age groups were represented, which was great to see. As always there was an expansive array of treats on offer, from the bar to the raffle and even bunny ears so that everyone could get involved. (I would love to say I partook but, being on my own, my self-confidence wasn’t high enough.)

Before long the lights came down and we were straight into the opening number – a full cast number brilliantly led by Isla Murray as Portia the Otter. The hedgehogs quickly became (and remained throughout) some of my favourite characters.

We were then introduced to Ratty and Mole, played by Annalese Murray and Olly Simmonds respectively. Murray’s Ratty was fantastic, the comedic timing was on point and reminded me often of Olivia Coleman with her deadpan delivery and comic asides. Simmonds brilliantly expressed the innocent wonder of Mole and often naïve view of the world.

Then he arrived.

Nate Fox as Mr Toad

The eponymous Mr Toad, played by Nate Fox. Fox often plays comedic characters in other performances I’ve seen, but this was his first leading role and what a performance it was. He quite simply epitomised the madness and ludicrousness of Mr Toad.

The scene where Mr Toad first learns about the thrilling motor cars is quite brilliant – sitting in the wreckage of the caravan muttering “poop poop” was everything I hoped it would be and took me straight back to my childhood.

It's worth mentioning how well the set designers did the cars – cast members holding and turning wheels on axles with Mr Toad sat behind the frontage of a grand motor car – with great lighting and sound to really put you at the scene of Toads numerous car crashes. 

We were told by Jules McColl (the fantastic director) at the beginning of the show that the actress who played Mrs Otter had been taken ill, and as such her part would be played by Carey Ryan Carter – the Choreographer for the show. She was absolutely fantastic and there was no sign at all that she hadn’t been cast in the role.

The show moved on at a whirlwind pace and we were quickly introduced to the villains of the story, the Weasels and stoats, played by Jasmine Cox, Jo Kelly and Millie Richards. They managed to tread the line between nefariously creepy and hilarious brilliantly and their musical numbers were full of rocky rebelliousness, performed seamlessly.

By this point Mole and Ratty were stumbling around the rather creepy wild woods looking for the home of Mr Badger which they soon found after Mole stumbled over the boot scraper. We met Badger, the stern patriarch of the show, personified fantastically by Gaynor Kemble as a ramrod straight ex-military type with a heart of gold who led the cast in “A friend is still a friend”, the song that really brings to life the message behind the musical.

Millie Richards as Lesser Weasel, Jo Kelly as Sheryl Stoat and Jasmine Cox as Chief Weasel 

Before long it was the interval, and time to take a breath. And an ice cream. And a non -alcoholic beer (which is great to see that the Hall offers for those of us who don’t drink or are driving as an alternative)

Appetites sated and happily full of Salcombe Dairy ice cream we took our seats again to continue our adventure. Toad’s escape from prison, disguised as a washerwoman masterfully (and hilariously) executed with another escapade in a motor car led us towards Toads redemption arc (we hoped).

A daring raid to free Toad Hall from the “Wild Wooders” led by Badger and his cohorts really brought the audience to the edge of our seats complemented by excellent use of lighting and staging and before long the evil stoats were vanquished and Toad took his rightful place once more at the seat of Toad Hall with his faithful friends Ratty, Mole and Badger by his side.

After one more stirring rendition of “A friend is still a friend” and Nate Fox being lowered down from the ceiling, Mission Impossible style, on a “Jetpack” (Toad's latest obsession) cue curtain call and a well-deserved standing ovation. 

Highlights then for me? Well, my favourite musical number had to be “Messing in Boats” – really made me want to sack off work today and go float around on a dinghy in the nearest body of water, though all the music was brilliantly performed and choreographed. Favourite moment in the musical – predictably had to be the “poop poop” caravan crash (it’s worth mentioning how fantastic the horse was that pulled the caravan – played by Dina White with some expert tap dancing to represent the clip clops) – really took me back to my childhood.

Although there was a moment when Mole tripped through the threshold of his home – Olly Simmonds, ever the consummate professional gave nothing away apart from a wry smile and continued as if nothing had happened.

Favourite character? Definitely Ratty – so well portrayed by Annalese Murray, every scene she was in had me chuckling at some quip or aside. Having said this, every single member of the cast was fantastic – from one of my favourites in previous productions, Christine Bonner as Grandma Hedgehog, to Megan Gidley playing a multitude of characters including the Gaoler’s daughter – brilliant one and all and I apologise to those I haven’t mentioned in my review – you were honestly all incredible. 

I have gone very swiftly from the husband reluctantly being dragged along with my wife for work, to being quite happy and excited to go to a production on my own – and I imagine, will continue to do so for some time.

Consider me a KATS convert. 

In the words of Mr Toad, “Poop Poop!”

There are six tickets left for tomorrow night! Don't wait, get your tickets now: www.ticketsource.co.uk/KATSWindInTheWillows