ABA Production presents The Wind in the Willows
As one of our June hols activities, we watched the stage adaption of the literary classic The Wind in the Willows at SOTA Drama Theatre.
I vaguely remember watching the weekly series in the afternoons as a child and was happy to revisit the story with the boys.
Set at a charming English countryside, the story begins Mole plucks up the courage to explore the Riverbank with his friend Ratty but nothing can prepare him for the adventure that awaits.
Along with Badger and the irrepressible Mr Toad, the foursome career from one exploit to the next. Things come to a head when the cocky Mr Toad becomes enamoured of cars, steals one and lands in jail. Together, they race against time not only to save Mr Toad's home, Toad Hall, but their very way of life.
I enjoyed the very English-ness of the production. Having said that, I have to admit the show was a bit too heavy and sophisticated for my 3 and 5 year old boys (I would say it would be more appropriate for primary school-going children). I had to explain to them who the characters were, because they were not immediately obvious to the kids, and what they were doing at every scene. The lengthy dialogue, especially when delivered in unfamiliar British accents, made it very hard for them to follow.
The show was rather long (almost 2 hours) but the boys sat engaged throughout. There were many amusing scenes - I am sure the children will remember the word 'Nincompoop' forever! The characters, especially the tyrannical and arrogant Mr Toad, made the children laugh and we enjoyed the many songs that were sung. I enjoyed the clever use of props as well, like Toad's gypsy caravan and motor car.
After the show, Sean still had many questions about the story and characters so I got him the book to read at home.
Disclaimer: We received complimentary tickets to watch the show. All opinions are, as always, honest and my own.
I vaguely remember watching the weekly series in the afternoons as a child and was happy to revisit the story with the boys.
Set at a charming English countryside, the story begins Mole plucks up the courage to explore the Riverbank with his friend Ratty but nothing can prepare him for the adventure that awaits.
Along with Badger and the irrepressible Mr Toad, the foursome career from one exploit to the next. Things come to a head when the cocky Mr Toad becomes enamoured of cars, steals one and lands in jail. Together, they race against time not only to save Mr Toad's home, Toad Hall, but their very way of life.
I enjoyed the very English-ness of the production. Having said that, I have to admit the show was a bit too heavy and sophisticated for my 3 and 5 year old boys (I would say it would be more appropriate for primary school-going children). I had to explain to them who the characters were, because they were not immediately obvious to the kids, and what they were doing at every scene. The lengthy dialogue, especially when delivered in unfamiliar British accents, made it very hard for them to follow.
The show was rather long (almost 2 hours) but the boys sat engaged throughout. There were many amusing scenes - I am sure the children will remember the word 'Nincompoop' forever! The characters, especially the tyrannical and arrogant Mr Toad, made the children laugh and we enjoyed the many songs that were sung. I enjoyed the clever use of props as well, like Toad's gypsy caravan and motor car.
After the show, Sean still had many questions about the story and characters so I got him the book to read at home.
Disclaimer: We received complimentary tickets to watch the show. All opinions are, as always, honest and my own.