A new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows will be the Christmas 2018 show at the New Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The theatre’s artistic director Theresa Heskins will adapt Grahame’s story for the stage which will be directed by Peter Leslie Wild.
Heskins said, “the wit and charm of Kenneth Grahame’s novel is such a delight. No matter how many times I read it, it makes me chuckle. I’ve found Toad’s zest for adventure utterly irresistible.
“Bringing these characters to New Vic audiences will be a joy and a privilege. Working with Peter Leslie Wild, who first encouraged me to try my hand at adapting a novel when I arrived at the New Vic 11 years ago, will be a special treat for me.”
Wild added, “I’m delighted to be returning to the New Vic and to have the chance to direct a version of one of my favourite books. I have so many happy memories of reading it to my own children when they were young and I’m looking forward to bringing it to life for the children and families of Staffordshire and beyond.
“It’s very exciting to be collaborating with Theresa Heskins again who has so much experience of Christmas shows at the Vic.”
Wild directed Frederick Knott’s Dial M for Murder at the New Vic in 2017 and Brendan Murray’s Seeing the Lights in 2015.
The Wind in the Willows will run at the Staffordshire theatre-in-the-round from Saturday 17 November until Saturday 26 January 2019.