The Wind in the Willows Review by Val Ruloff

Blown away... by Wind in the Willows!  Bobbing along on a joyous riverside boating trip is a most marvellous summer treat.

No need to be "Badgered" into making this journey of discovery, adventure and meeting some very special new friends. Events encompass lots of rumbustious and joyful romping around, as well as dangers and risks to be confronted and lessons to be learned along the way.

 The Torch Youth Theatre presents a thrilling and completely captivating production of Kenneth Grahame's much beloved "Wind in the Willows" tale, adapted by Glyn Maxwell. All our favourite characters are here... and some! The production does not let up with its surprises and a great modern twist to the story, with nods to topical T.V. programmes and local references. These also include humorous use of Pembrokeshire hostelry and even the constabulary.

Huzzah and cheers to that!

Tim Howe, Director,  justly earns himself a very large pat on the back...  a huge slap on the back, indeed. There's a large company of performers aged between 8 and 18 taking part in Wind in the Willows. They're marshalled very well by the Director... and marshal themselves marvellously, too. The vivacious energy of the production is reflected in the dynamic and lively use of the stage space and also the whole auditorium.

The sylvan scenes set are atmospheric. The props and set designs, costumes, lighting design, music and sound are beautifully arranged to evoke the story imagery. Some charming touches are on display to enjoy... such as the Toad Hall model, Toad's amazing entrance music, costumes to portray the individual characters, sound effects for "Slurpex", Ratty's newspaper, picnic basket and French Fancy contents, gaol interior and manacles, kitchen cooking scenes and washing scenes.

These manage to encompass both the very traditional and dearly cherished, as well as the absolutely bang up-to-date and tech-savvy!!

A very special mention to each and every cast member, here . There are some excellent scenes featuring the ensemble cast, including every age range. These can only be described as both delightful and charming.

The main characters and the support characters give individually stunning performances.

Moley, Ratty, Toad, Badger, Weasel boss, Washer (not to mention, Scrubber!) Woman, Gaoler and Gaoler's Daughter... and then all the troops of convincing and conniving weasels and stoats, the inspired laundry worker demonstrations and cooking demonstrations... each contribute to a marvellous whole. The drama and tensions ramp up, only to be punctured by delicious and witty humour and laughter. The script and dialogue are excellent.... just hugely to be savoured and very witty.

There really is some great comedy timing and some very real pathos portrayed in the performances here. The casting is inspired, each and every character being extremely well cast. The talent on display is stand-alone... and speaks for itself.

Deserved credit  to Torch Voices led by Angharad Sanders; Sophie Barlow's Costume Design; Ben Hall's Youth Direction; Youth Assistant Designer, Lily Joy Mathias; Andrew Sturley's Lighting Design; Assistant Technical Manager, Simon Evans; Senior and Junior Technicians, Jake Dyer and George White respectively; Workshop Manager, Sam Wordsworth;  Torch Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard; Woodland Cloth Designer, Kevin Jenkins.

Hopefully, it's not too Toadying to suggest that going to watch Wind in the Willows is essential summer entertainment. Be sure to Weasel your way in. Please know that there is a Mole in the camp,  who will certainly Rat on you if you dare to miss out. Not that this is to Badger you in any way, of course.