*We attended The Wind in the Willows as invited guests on 8 January 2024. Opinions here are entirely ours. Images: supplied
Wind in the Willows by the Australian Shakespeare Company is an annual tradition – 20 years in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden and 35 years in Melbourne’s. Based – though not overly faithfully – on Kenneth Grahame’s classic story, this adaptation by Artistic Director Glenn Elston is energetic, irreverent fun for the entire family.
The story, overseen by a singing, guitar playing “Chief Rabbit Warren,” follows the characters Mole, Ratty, Badger, Otter and his child Portly, Weasel, and Mr Toad. The theatrical 4th Wall is rather non-existent, and the audience is recruited to be characters, as well, as an enormous pack of rabbits. We are along for the adventure as the shy Mole makes friends with the other riverside residents, and then as Mr Toad’s impetuous schemes get him into a spot of trouble with the law. The final showdown is a fight for Toad Hall against a pack of usurping weasels.
The story, though clear and easy to follow, is really the vehicle that allows us to spend an hour and a half with an ensemble of fun and clever characters. The opening banter between Chief Rabbit and Weasel sets the tone, with dueling songs (many plays on popular tunes), puns left and right, and quick quips with the audience. The staging makes excellent use of the Botanic Garden, with characters making entrances on boats, floats, and garden benches.
While the story gets increasingly unhinged (an impromptu court hearing for Mr Toad, Weasels flying around Toad Hall, and a water balloon battle), the cast is tightly in control, working together to manage the fast-moving theatrical mayhem, the outdoor elements, and a fair few excited toddlers. The action, jokes, and songs don’t stop, so there’s never a lull in the action. At one point, as the youngest rabbits may be getting a little restless, they are even recruited to go on a mission with the cast, leaving the adults to be serenaded by some slightly more grown-up songs and jokes from Rabbit and Weasel.
Despite its long run, this was the first time that our family has been to The Wind in the Willows. In hindsight, I’m not sure why we missed it. I think I had a notion that it might be a bit stodgy, being “trotted out” every year. Ah, I really had it wrong! There is clearly fun had with updating references with each season (I don’t recall WestConnex or Dua Lipa references in the original text), and the performances keep the classic tale fresh and feisty for the entire family.
If You Go: Bring a picnic blanket and any sort of picnic you’d like, but be aware that the action does move to a second location about half way through, so you’ll need to pack it all up. Arrive early for best choice of spot of grass. The starting point at the Main Pond is a fair walk from all entrances to the Botanic Garden, so leave time to get there. We went to an afternoon performance, and it was quite warm. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen.
The Wind in the Willows‘ current season runs at the Royal Botanic Garden (Sydney) through 28 January 2024
Tickets: $25 – 30, plus booking fee.