By Peter Kemp
The Wind in the Willows presented by the Young ELT group
A musical that relates to the adventures of several animal friends and neighbours in the English countryside- primarily Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger.
An interesting production with a young cast and resulting from the success of this play the future of theatre is assured.
Rat was played by Nate Clarke who caught the character of the confident Rat with ease giving a good interpretation.
Mole was played by Anja Murray, she has good stage presence but her voice was a little quiet but with more stage experience this will be overcome. Lilli-Rose Lawrence was Badger, the wise and knowledgeable one of the group. Lawrence captured the feel of the role giving a
nice performance.
Toad was played by Ella Caird. A young lady with a good future as a Performer in theatre. Her stage presence was very good, her voice was clear, and the right sound and her acting was great.
The Chief Weasel was played by Josh Smith who gave a good performance of the evil Weasel. The scenes where the weasels took over Toad Hall were great and in the fight with Rat, Mole, Badger and Toad the cast looked like they were enjoying themselves.
In the ensemble many of whom were dressed as mice there was one little girl possibly the smallest who has a great future in theatre. She stood out with her stage presence and her dancing and cheerfulness.
The cast and chorus were a good balance to the main performers giving the correct touch to the performance.
