Wind in the Willows – December 2022
Who? – Chichester Festival Youth Theatre
What? – Wind in the Willows
Where? – Chichester Festival Theatre
When? – 17–31 December
It’s now been a year since I started writing reviews and I’m back at Chichester Festival Theatre for another one of their Christmas shows. You can find all of my other reviews here.
What’s the show about? Based on the Kenneth Grahame book bythe same name, Wind in the Willows is a show performed by the children of Chichester Festival Youth Theatre.
The story is set near a river and is about a mole and a rat who instantly become friends. Ratty takes Moley on his rowing boat on the river and teaches her all about the wild wood, the other animals and just the world in general.
One particular animal Moley was told about was Toad. Toad is funny and silly and gets into a bit too much trouble. The story is all about Toad’s crazy adventures and how his friends try and help him. Together, his friends help save Toad and Toad Hall (Toad’s home,) from the evil weasels.
Ratty is sensible and clever, Mole is inquisitive and kind and Badger is wise and friendly.
What was really good about it? I really enjoyed the duck song because the costumes were clever, the dancing was good and the song was catchy.
The boat, car and barge were cleverly made out of recycled materials. The barge was a Sprite bottle, the rowing boat a sardine tin and the car was an old bottle.
I liked all the characters but Toad was probably my favourite considering how funny he was.
Before the show, we went for dinner at my favourite Chichester pub, The Bell Inn. I had fish fingers, a sausage, a chicken nugget, broccoli, carrots and maybe a small squirt of tomato ketchup. It was perfect.
What could be better? I think more songs would be better as I really liked all of them.
This time I did get an ice cream at the interval, though. Yippee!
What my dad thinks? On more than one occasion I forgot that I was watching a youth theatre performance. The whole thing was just so well put together. I particularly enjoyed the ensemble singing.
Star Rating – ❤❤❤❤
Another great review from Tom Blake -Lobb. The show sounds wonderful, the meal outrageous and the ice cream ……about time!!
Oh Tom, I think I must be saying the same thing every time I write a review. You always make me wish I lived nearer and could see the productions you get to see! Also your vocabulary is varied, mature and extensive as is your sentence structure! Impressive. Are you only in Year 5? Delighted you got an ice cream!
I agree with both of the previous reviews Tom. You have an uncanny way of describing what you have seen, which allows me to feel as though I was sitting alongside you, watching the show. An excellent review Tom. Dinner at the Bell sounds amazing too!!
What a super review. I’m sure it really helps others to read your words and know what to expect and what to look forward to. I’m glad Toad was funny! Your meal at the pub sounded delicious too.
We were absolutely thrilled to be featured in your excellent review Tom. It is very important to let everyone know about where they can eat before the show but most importantly if they can get an interval ice cream.
I’m pleased you enjoyed the show too. We’re looking forward to more of your reviews in 2023.
How are you liking them so far?