The Wind in the Willows is a play based on the 1908 children's novel of the same name by Kenneth Grahame, adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett, with music by Jeremy Sams.
Production history The play made its world premiere on 1 December 1990 over the festive period in the Olivier Theatre at the Royal National Theatre, London directed by Nicholas Hytner and designed by Mark Thompson. The production starred Griff Rhys Jones as Toad, David Bamber as Mole, Richard Briers as Rat and Michael Bryant as Badger. Due to the success of the production, it returned on 12 December 1991 for another festive season starring Desmond Barrit as Toad, Adrian Scarborough as Mole, David Ross as Ratty and Bryant returning as Badger.
In 1994, the National Theatre production transferred to The Old Vic where the set design by Mark Thompson had to be modified for its proscenium arch stage. The production was directed by Jeremy Sams and starred Jeremy Sinden as Toad.
Cast and characters +CharacterOriginal National Theatre CastNational Theatre revival19901991ToadGriff Rhys JonesDesmond BarritMoleDavid BamberAdrian ScarboroughRatRichard BriersDavid RossBadgerMichael BryantOtterJohn MatshikizaAlbert (a horse)Terence RigbyBarry StantonRabbitCharlotte MetcalfRabbit / PassengerTricia MorrishHedgehog / Clerk of the CourtMike MurrayRoger SwaineHedgehog / WasherwomanMona HammondMaria CharlesStoat / GipsyJames GoodeGuy MooreChief WeaselTim McMullanRobin Sneller
Awards and nominations Original London production Year Award Category Nominee Result1991Laurence Olivier Awards Best Comedy Performance Griff Rhys Jones Richard Briers Best Director of a Play Nicholas Hytner Best Set Designer Mark Thompson Best Costume Designer Best Lighting Designer Paul Pyant
External references