However, this didn't detract at all from my enjoyment of the evening. I was with two 11 year-olds who also loved it, but for those of you who were slightly worried about going 'childless', there were surprisingly few children there! This is a production for children of all ages, and I hope it becomes a regular fixture at Christmas...I would happily see it every year.

Sim

The exact same observation about Anthony Dowell was brought up at the preview last Saturday, in fact the lady who originally brought up the matter suggested that "the narrator's delivery lacked confidence." Will Tuckett said that he would address the matter, which immediately brought to mind the amount of money I would pay to be the fly on the wall at the moment when Mr Tuckett told Sir Anthony Dowell to deliver his performance with more confidence! Anyway, sitting in the third row and being able to hear Sir Anthony's wonderful narration perfectly, I think that cranking the volume from 10 up to 11 would do the trick. Perhaps 12....

As for the production itself, I would sum it up as a real jack-in-the-box of a piece with an enchanting surprise around every corner. I have never experienced a piece that has so many unpredictable elements and yet stays so non-cliched and original - the concepts presented remain refreshing and original throughout. To give a more detailed synopsis of Wind in the Willows would bruise the enjoyment of anyone thinking of attending.

Tuckett has thought about this piece deeply and has for the first time since the reopening of the Royal Opera House and the birth of the Linbury, used the whole of theatre to such an extent that those in the audience melt into the production like kids swallowed into a bedtime story.

But for all it's potential to come across as a twee and cuddly tale of furry friends, Wind in the Willows is FUN!! It's an hilariously warming and an enchanting piece (with no ridiculous headgear -apart from the odd green wig), and I am sure it will enchant those young and young at heart for many years to come -it is suitable for kids of all ages. Sadly this piece would not transfer to the main auditorium successfully, though it does have fantastic potential for touring.

I tried this evening to book to see the production again and it appears that there is standing room only for the current run. One can only hope for an extension of this fabulous piece. Those without a sense of fun need not attend....

Just a quick word about the music as well: it was based on music by George Butterworth and really evoked a time and place that have gone, never to return. The musicians played it beautifully and I liked the way they were dispersed around the theatre. Of course this was for reasons of space, but it worked really well.

I too would have loved to have seen it again, so as you say, I hope they extend the run.

For those of you going, you have a real treat in store!

Just a quick word about the music: it was George Butterworth, and beautifully evoked a time and place gone forever. Played joyously by the muscians, who were dispersed around the auditorium. This was for reasons of space, but it worked very well.

Agree also that it couldn't transfer to a much bigger venue, so here's hoping that the run is extended or that it becomes a regular fixture in the Christmas calendar. If I could go again during this run, I certainly would!

re. the comments on Dowell's delivery, exactly the opposite applied to Ashton's 'A Wedding Bouquet' performed by the RB in the late 80s (early 90s?). The original narrator of the Gertrude Stein text was meant to be Derek Jacobi, but he was deemed too unmusical to handle the the rythmic drive of Stein's words, so Anthony Dowell was called in to replace him, and did so to great acclaim. (Strangely, I think I remember that Dowell danced the very funny role of the bridegroom too. Could I be getting confused here? Did anyone else see this production?).

No that's when they were on strike in 1988!

But were there two revivals? Think Dowell narrated in 1988 - wasn't Jacobi an earlier revival (he hazards hazily)?

One ballet.co-er mentioned that there were good photos in promotional literature he received from ROH, and I tried emailing ROH to ask if those photos could be posted on their web site or if I could be put on their mailing list, but have received no reply.

Is there a program with photos that anyone would be willing to send me in the US? (I'd reimburse them somehow, of course.)

The set is by the Brothers Quay and echoes the feeling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales which are magical and also slightly sinister. Cupboards become caravans, chairs become prisons in exactly the way that they do in the imaginations of children playing make believe.

There was much debate on this site about the use of masks, much of it being 'No thankyou'. There are none, the animal's identity is mainly suggested by their movement, this works to a degree, but as this is a production aimed at 5 year olds up I felt a few more visual clues would be of assistance to some of the younger audience members. Could Badger have some more Badger-esque markings on his costume (a white stripe?), if the Bunnies have ears, why dont Mole and Ratty, or perhaps a tail for Ratty? I also thought that Ratty should be in plus fours, or at least longer length shorts, but then that me is nit picking! The Weasels/Stoats are such a cliche-punk happened over 20 years ago!The weasel puppets come out too soon I feel they should only be seen for the first time when they poke their heads out of the cupboard, again the director in me nit picking.

However, I had a lovely evening as did everyone else I spoke too and if you have managed to get a ticket you are in for a treat, I guarantee the kids will be talking about the snow on the way home!

Punk is not dead.

Jane

I loved Ratty!! He was played so well by Will Kemp.All four were brilliant but Toad was so funny I nearly screamed in the theatre!!

I had a friend of mine there who also loves dance. Although she does modern dance at the Place she still loved it.While we walked back to the car we danced out the whole ballet again not giving the slightest care in the world who was watching!! If you haven't yet seen this most fantastic and superb production of Wind in the Willows I suggest you get ya boots on hurry up and see it!!! Thank you Juliax

Merchandise-wise, there was a fair bit in the shop. Not sure if I spotted sweatshirts, or whether they were just T-shirts. There are a few frivolous things as well, like mini-jigsaws. As far as I could see, the only thing they'd missed out on was the knitting patterns for the duck hats - a huge retail opportunity missed there, I'm sure!

At the end of the interval in the bar/foyer of the Linbury, a rumpus commences due to Toad's manic driving .....police are giving chase...no wonder Toad gets sent to prison!

And what a lovely night it was. Totally enchanting! Sir Ant had obviously had his mike hiked up a bit and came over loud and clear and enjoying himself tremendously, as were the dancers. Man of the match was, of course, Matthew Hart, but Will, Adam and especially Pippa Gordon were absolutely spot-on. But Luke Heydon just has to have a special mention, popping up in all sorts of guises, especially the butch Washerwoman.

There were so many enchanting moments - the carol singers, the snow storm......I won't go on. Anyway, just a 'feel-good' event. Surely this must enter into the Christmas repertoire, not just in London. But what a lovely venue the Linbury is. I hadn't been before. Great sightlines, cosy feeling...lovely.

Incidentally, I believe one reviewer said that the part of Toad was to have been played by Sarah Wildor before she became involved in 'Contact'. I simply can't conceive of this role being played by anybody but Matthew. His high-energy levels and sense of comedy, not to say his immaculate dancing, have simply defined the role.

But I did get to see Sarah in 'Contact' and she is lovely and sparkly and a great speaking actress. But what a waste. Why isn't she back with the RB?

And finally, I want one of those cool knitted duck / rabbit-eared hat things too!

All I can say to those going today is, you won't be disappointed. A thoroughly charming production, with lots of lovely touches, already mentioned on earlier posts to this thread. We especially liked the snow, the carol singers (a nice seasonal touch) and the 'chase' through the foyer area during the interval. In addition to the performances already praised, special mention should also go to Iohna Loots for her delightful portrayal of the 'Post Rabbit'

I hope that it's revived next year, with a few more performances next time. See it if you can!