Tony Robinson will star as Kenneth Grahame, narrator of the Royal Opera House’s production of The Wind in the Willows, in the ROH’s first commercial transfer to London’s West End and Robinson's first theatre role for 16 years.
In its tenth anniversary year, the production, directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, will run at the Duchess Theatre from Wednesday 11 December 2013 to Saturday 1 February 2014.
Will Kemp will reprise his role as Ratty, Cris Penfold will play Toad, Christopher Akrill will play Badger and Clemmie Sveaas will play Mole. Other members of the company include Ewan Wardrop, Paul James Rooney, Kayleigh Gore, Connor Dowling, Kirsty Mather, Anna Martine, Jo Meredith and Aron Wild.
From a dusty old attic, a tale unfolds. The peace of the river bank is rocked by a speeding car, a galloping caravan, a racing train and criminal deeds cooked up in the depths of the Wild Wood.
The escapades of the hot-headed Toad and his loyal friends Ratty, Mole and Badger are brought to life through song, music, dance and puppetry, with a score from Martin Ward drawing inspiration from the music of Edwardian composer George Butterworth.
Through Tuckett’s choreography, narration written by former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion and designs by The Quay Brothers and Nicky Gillibrand, Grahame’s magical world will be conjured for audiences at the Duchess Theatre this Christmas.