This
week I have bought my Christmas tree from a farm and decorated it whilst
watching Love Actually so my festive levels are soaring nicely. I feel like we
have all been waiting for December, desperate for a reason to feel utterly
joyful and to spread some love around after the onslaught of the previous 11
months.
Last
year the Christmas offering at The Rose Theatre, Kingston brought me out of a
bleak hole, rather like Moley, and so I was looking forward to topping up my
festive levels with their new production of Wind in the Willows. The Rose has
had a knockout year; Hollywood directors, high class productions and promises
of more to come.
After
the hustle and bustle of Kingston’s markets the pastoral scene that greets you
on entering the auditorium is a welcome respite. Once again, the use of
projection aids the creation of a make believe world on their versatile stage
with a babbling brook and luscious green amid a light jazz soundtrack - despite
devouring a Wagamama’s 30 minutes before I could almost taste the hot buttered
toast!
The
adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic by Ciaran McConville has the Disney/Pixar
factor; witty, fast paced and with winks to the adults too. The children squealed
at the falling snow and Poop Poop (well, I did too actually – I don’t want to
ruin it for you but the song is utter genius) whilst the adults enjoyed the
dangers of ‘impromtu affairs’ and a tribute to Titanic. Lovely work Mr
McConville!
The
costume designs by Peter Todd have inspired me to dress like a rabbit in 2017;
he made a beautiful job of suggesting animal characteristics via 1940s Britain,
seriously, you may well see me sporting a floral tea dress teamed with an eared
hat! The whole design is understated and gorgeous and pulls you into this
gentle tale of friendship and loyalty.
 |
| That's GSA dance training, that is! |
I
was happy to see my old GSA friend, Mike Taibi in the cast stealing the show
with his versatility as a baddie, an old nag (see I knew all that time in War
Horse would pay off,) and a cameo as Lady Austin that leaves you wondering why
you need to go see any other Christmas show to see a dame. The Youth Theatre are astoundingly talented and match up to the touching performances of the adult cast. The physical work is particularly impressive.
I
don’t need a Facebook “review of the year” to tell me about my 2016; moments in
this production did that for me. My whole year was there; the idea of coming
out from underground to find an adventure, realising the value of home, seeing
Mr Badger welcomed into the arms of Mrs Badger who has been waiting for him and
meeting someone that makes you smell orange blossom water, the scent of a
friendship that will last forever. All of life is found in this tale, that’s
why it’s a classic. These are the qualities people are craving at
the end of 2016; no need for big presents just grab someone you love and have a
“just in case” picnic.
This
year, of all the years, we need reassurance that there is good in the world and
a reminder of the key values needed for survival; friendship, love and the appreciation
for the simple things in life. This production of Wind in the Willows has them
in abundance and I promise you that you’ll leave the theatre hopeful of a
happier 2017 (and with a memory of the gorgeous Mike Taibi in heels!)
Wind
in the Willows is playing at The Rose Theatre, Kingston until January 3rd
2017, get tickets here.
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