Review: The Wind in the Willows at the Vaudeville Theatre

The Wind in the Willows

Vaudeville Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 4th December

★★★★★

Last year The Wind in the Willows took me by surprise and cast me under its spell. One year on, the Royal Opera House's production has returned to the West End and is more transfixing than ever.

Royal Opera House's The Wind in the Willows returns to West End this Christmas

It has been announced that Will Tuckett's production of The Wind in the Willows will return to the West End this December.

Last year the production's transferred to the Duchess Theatre, marking the Royal Opera House's first commercial West End transfer. The production, which was named Best Entertainment and Family at the 2014 Olivier Awards, will this year run for eight weeks at the Vaudeville Theatre. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 15th July.

Based on Kenneth Grahame's timeless classic, the adventures of four woodland friends are retold through dance, song, music and puppetry. From a dusty old attic a wonderful tale unfolds; the peaceful riverbank world is rocked by a speeding car, a racing train and criminal deeds cooked up in the Wild Wood.

Review: The Wind in the Willows at the Duchess Theatre

The Wind in the Willows

Duchess Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 18th December 2013

Surprisingly The Wind in the Willows marks the Royal Opera House's first ever commercial West End transfer. Will Tuckett's production is the definition of transfixing, when the interval came I realised that never before had I ever felt so relaxed whilst sat in a theatre.

Interview: Sharon Watson, Artistic Director of the Phoenix Dance Theatre

This week the Phoenix Dance Theatre have brought their production of Particle Velocity to the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Studio. On Tuesday (19th November) I had a sneak peek at Repetition of Change, a new piece of contemporary dance choreographed by Phoenix’s Artistic Director Sharon Watson (pictured right), during the final technical rehearsal before that evening’s important opening performance. 

Repetition of Change is a very special piece. Sharon worked with Kenneth Hesketh who composed a stunning score which brings the collaboration alive. It goes without saying that a final technical rehearsal can be a very stressful time for all involved as it is the final chance for the creative team to get it right. I spoke to Sharon after the rehearsal who told me she was happy with how the afternoon had gone. “It wasn’t bad” she said, “I’m always going to be nervous regardless because at this point I have to hand it over and I’m out of the picture. Part of me feels great, but part of me also feels very anxious.” 

I was surprised by the calm atmosphere during the rehearsal. There were a handful of minor problems which included some lighting issues and a reflection mystery, but everything was sorted in a smooth and efficient manner. As time ticked by I asked Sharon how she would feel that evening, watching her work being performed. “I find it quite hard because I become very critical and pick up on things that a lot of other audience members wouldn’t even notice.”

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see the Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Particle Velocity at the Royal Opera House

Under Artistic Director Sharon Watson, Phoenix Dance Theatre proudly presents the autumn 2013 UK tour of Particle Velocity, a programme of four exciting and musically diverse dance works – featuring All Alight, the debut work for the company from Richard Alston.

This new company repertory programme - a trademark Phoenix Dance Theatre mixed bill - includes another new work for Phoenix from both Sharon Watson and Douglas Thorpe and a debut company piece from Jose Agudo.

The 8-venue autumn tour kicked-off at Cast, Doncaster on 8th October  and comes to London for 5 nights between 19th – 23rd November.

The London shows are almost sold-out. However, you can win a pair of tickets to see the show on Thursday 21st November by entering your details below and signing up to West End Frame's brand new newsletter. 

The Royal Opera House announces first ever West End transfer

The Royal Opera House has announced its first ever West End transfer. Will Tuckett's production of The Wind in the Willows will open at the Duchess Theatre on 16th December 2013 (previews from 11th December) and will run until 1st February 2014.

Will Tuckett brings The Wind in the Willows to life through action, dance, song, music and puppetry. The much-loved adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's classic sees the adventures of reckless Toad and his long-suffering friends Ratty, Mole and Badger retold through dance, song, music and puppetry. 

The escapades of the reckless Toad and his long-suffering friends Ratty, Mole and wise Badger, are brought to life in a magical, riverside setting. Set to a wonderful score by Martin Ward that draws its inspiration from the music of Edwardian composer George Butterworth, this adaptation will introduce the much-loved tale to a whole new generation of fans.