The Wind in the Willows The Panto - Rugeley Rose Theatre

Rugeley Musical Theatre Company

“...a fun-filled family treat”.

Rugeley Musical Theatre Company are bringing a panto version of The Wind in the Willows to Staffordshire this week and it really is a fun-filled family treat.

Directed by Claire Hughes and Dan Smith, with Matthew Hunt as MD and Hana Bradbury and Claire on choreography, the show is full of traditional panto gags and just about as much silliness as you can imagine.

The story centres around two naughty, scheming weasels who succeed in getting Toad and his housekeeper into trouble (and into jail!), then move into Toad’s house to throw wild rodenty parties. An adventure ensues and, with the help of Otter, Badger, Ratty and Mole, Toad and Mary Twinkle escape and the friends save the day.

Its a lovely plot and is easy for children to follow. The show is full of dancing, singing and traditional panto jokes that will make you giggle from start to finish, along with a few fun innuendos for the grown-ups and some well-known singalongs.  

Matthew Hunt played a fabulous Otter, who is the energetic and very funny spokesman for the story. Mole and Ratty were very well played by Kittie James and Emily Rogers and grumpy old Badger was played hilariously by Jacob Bishop. Loved the Weasels - scheming Weasel One was played by Judi Whitehouse and daft Weasel Two was played by Pat Giles and they worked really well together as the comedy duo, earning their boos.

Dan Smith kept the show, props and scenery running smoothly playing Kenneth, and Ellie-Mae Taundry gave a delightful performance as Froglette. Lewis Thompson really was the most perfect Toad, larger than life, gentlemanly and as daft as can be and David Stacey was super as Mary Twinkle the dame, traditionally played, and brought a lot of humour to the story as well as a glorious pair of finale knickers.

Supported by a competent live band and full cast of furry friends, some excellent character make-up designs and costumes, it is a charming production worthy of the applause it received on opening night and the Society's production team have ensured a lot of love was shared with the enthusiastic Rose Theatre audience.

In all a great amateur, laugh-out-loud pantomime that will warm your heart and set you up ready for Christmas.  

Runs to 24 Nov
Suitable for everyone but be wary of weasels