This summer, youngsters from Stone will be treading the boards as the Musical Youth Theatre Stafford brings the timeless classic, The Wind in the Willows, to the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.
Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale about the thrill-seeking, lovable menace Mr. Toad comes to life in the West End musical with a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes and Olivier Award-winning composers and lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
When Mole plucks up the courage to leave his spring cleaning and emerge from his hole to explore the riverbank, he had no idea the adventures that awaited him. Befriended by Ratty and Badger, Mole is introduced to the irrepressible Mr. Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home under threat for the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt a daring escape leading Mole, Ratty and Badger on a series of misadventures and a heroic battle not only to recapture Toad Hall, but to save their very way of life.
Originally due to be performed in July 2020, MYTS have had to postpone this fantastic, up-tempo family musical comedy twice due to the pandemic. Despite the impact of the pandemic, which resulted in numerous roles having to be recast as many of the original cast have moved onto tertiary education, Wind in the Willows is shaping up to be a truly spectacular return to the Gatehouse Theatre for this talented group of youngsters.
The production team has remained the same throughout and is led by Director, Sam Simkin, who is a former MYTS member and has returned to the group in a professional capacity. Joined by Joe Hearson as Musical Director and Becky Crookes as Choreographer, this team continue to work hard to bring this wonderful adaptation to life.
A story of friendship and courage, The Wind in the Willows is one of the best-loved books of all time, now brought to stage in a fantastic production that promises to thrill and enchant all ages.
Wind in the Willows runs at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre from the 13th to the 16th of July. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01785 619080 or online at https://staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk/events/wind-in-the-willows/
For more information about MYTS contact secretary@myts.org.uk, visit their website www.myts.org.uk or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @mytsStafford.
