Wind in the Willows: UK tour before West End run

The musical adaptation of Wind in the Willows will embark on its UK tour from October before taking up a stint in London’s West End.

The production, which tells the story of Mr Toad and his series of adventures and misadventures alongside Ratty, Badger and Mole, has been created by Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drew.

The show will be the first time the three have worked together since their collaboration on Mary Poppins, which ran for three years in the West End and six years on Broadway.

The show is based on Kenneth Grahame’s novel of the same name and tells the story of how Toad is imprisoned for theft and must attempt an escape so that he can defend Toad Hall from the inhabitants of the Wild Wood.

Writer Julian Fellows commented, “I could not be more pleased to have been working on this new production of Wind in the Willows, which has been a favourite of mine literally all my life.

“It has been a real privilege to be part of the team re-imagining it for the musical stage. As an added bonus, I’ve really enjoyed being back in the Stiles/Drew/Fellowes team with our last production of Mary Poppins being a high point for all of us. “

Producer Jamie Hendry added, “I am delighted that we will be opening The Wind in the Willows in some of the country’s most prestigious venues prior to the West End. It has been a joy working with such a distinguished team of writers and creatives to develop that rare thing – a new British musical. I can’t wait to get the show on the road and invite audiences to share in our journey next year!”

The production will run from 8th October until 20th December, opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth and calling in at The Lowry and Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Tickets go on sale on 18th December.

Details for thee West End production will be announced in the new year.

For more information visit www.windinthewillowsthemusical.com.