“Glorious sight! The poetry of motion! The real way to travel! The only way to travel! Oh bliss! Oh Poop-Poop”
The cast and crew of this year’s Summer Production of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ are working towards the final stages of the production and excitement is building! With the opening night next week, preparations are underway to dress the theatre and organise costumes, makeup and props to ensure that the audience is transported to the beauty that is the English countryside.
‘The Wind in the Willows’ tells the story of Mole who decides one day to leave his hole in the ground and venture into the wide world. He soon discovers the vivid wildlife around him and meets Ratty, a kind and generous creature who invites Mole for a paddle up the river. The two eventually meet the wild and energetic Mr Toad and soon find themselves involved in his love for all things to do with Motorcars! But all is not well in the countryside: the Weasels led by their Chief aim to capture Toad Hall and take over the rest of the riverbank, claiming it for themselves. The three friends, with the help of Badger must deal with these Weasels as well as keeping Toad in line and not causing mischief! It’s a story of friendship and adventure and one that has resonated with audiences since it was published by Kenneth Grahame in 1908.
Verity Bond-Evans, who plays the role of Ratty, said “I’ve really liked working with Year Nine and everyone else in the ‘Ensemble’ as well as working with Mr Garrity on his first production at RGS”.
Julia Gebhardt, who is part of the ensemble of ‘Riverbankers’, commented, “I’m in Year Nine and this is my second RGS Summer Production. This year I am playing one of the ‘Riverbankers’, this role is great because we get to react to everything onstage. I particularly love the physical parts of our scenes. I enjoy being a part of the production because we have so much fun in the rehearsals. I hope you enjoy the show!”
Harriet Murphy said: “I am playing the part of a ‘Weasel’ and I enjoy acting as one since I wouldn’t normally play a character such as this! Therefore, I am learning different ways to perform. I have enjoyed spending time with the cast and learning to improvise some of our own scenes in the process. I hope everyone watching this production enjoys it, a lot of effort has been put into creating a captivating performance!”
Director, Mr Jak Garrity, added: “This is my first production that I will have directed at RGS Worcester since starting at the School in September 2022. I have been consistently amazed by the work ethic, talent and enthusiasm of all the pupils involved in this production and seeing them develop and grow as a cast during rehearsals. I have been particularly proud seeing our Lower Sixth Drama students and Scholars working with the cast and directing the actors in their chosen scenes, it really is lovely to see the students all working together across the different Year groups. I hope you all enjoy the show and I look forward to the opportunity of being able to direct more productions in the near future”.
‘The Wind in the Willows’ will be performed in the RGS Performing Arts Centre for three nights, from Wednesday 21st June until Friday 23rd June. Tickets are on sale now priced at £8.00 Adult, £5.00 Concessions. To purchase your ticket, please do so online at https://www.trybooking.co.uk/CEAP