WELCOME RETURN: Box Tale Soup return to Whorlton with their version of The Wind in the Willows on Friday, May 18
WELCOME RETURN: Box Tale Soup return to Whorlton with their version of The Wind in the Willows on Friday, May 18

IT’S a case of better late than never when a children’s classic comes to the stage of a dale village hall this month.

The Wind in the Willows was originally slated for Whorlton Village Hall in March, but the production fell foul to the “Beast from the East”.

Box Tale Soup Theatre Company will now head to the village on Friday, May 18, with their version of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic about four friends and their river bank adventures.

From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved river bank to the fearful frights and wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, audiences can join Mole and Ratty, grumpy old Badger and wild Mr Toad on their marvellous adventures on land and water.

Box Tale Soup’s version uses imaginative staging, clever props and costumes, original music and beautifully crafted fabric puppets including a four feet Mr Toad.

The show is performed by Antonia Christophers, Noel Bryne and Mark Collier.

The Wind in the Willows was commissioned by the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, in 2017 and is currently touring to northern counties in partnership with Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.

Rod Dawson, promoter at Whorlton Village Hall, said: “It was a great shame that the weather intervened in March and prevented Box Tale Soup from getting to Whorlton.

“We thoroughly enjoyed their performance of Northanger Abbey, which they presented in the village hall last year, and had no hesitation in booking them again.

“We have high expectations of their production of Wind in the Willows, and I’m sure we won’t be disappointed.”

The show is suitable for ages five-plus. Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start.

Tickets are £10 adults, £5 children and £25 families (up to two adults and two children).

To book, call 01833 627253 or go to www.highlights north.co.uk