The new musical, The Wind in the Willows, by Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, will open at the London Palladium in 2017.
Following pre-West End showings in Manchester, Southampton and Plymouth, it has been announced that the production will open in London next year, previewing on 17th June and opening on 29th June.
Comedian, actor and presenter, Rufus Hound, will star as Mr Toad in the new musical that is based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic story.
The comedy musical follows the impulsive Mr Toad whose need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his home under threat from Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt an escape, which leads to a series of misadventures and a battle to recapture his home, Toad Hall.
The show will feature quirky set design, skilled choreography and a British music score.
More details of the musical are still to be announced, including a full cast listing.
Producer of the show, Jamie Hendry said: “Following wonderful receptions in Plymouth and Manchester where The Wind in the Willows has delighted adults and children alike, I’m thrilled that a wider audience will be able to share in the joy of this glorious new musical at the London Palladium.”
More about The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows is a children’s novel written by Kenneth Grahame. It was first published in 1908.
The story follows four animals who live alongside the river: Mole, Rat, Mr Badger and Mr Toad.
Originally these characters were just inventions of Grahame’s, used in the bedtime stories he told his son. It was this that then inspired him to develop his ideas and characters into a novel.
In 1929, parts of the book were adapted by A.A Milne, into a play called Toad of Toad Hall.
For more information visit www.windinthewillowsthemusical.com.
