The Pilgrims’ Hall was transformed into a Wild Wood this week, as the Seniors put on their production of ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Arthur M, Alfie L, Max H and Javier R as Toad, Rat, Mole and Badger respectively led a cast of 23 boys, ably supported by a Pit Band of Year8 and Year7s from the Quiristers and Choristers. William S composed beautiful and evocative incidental music for the production, an incredible feat for a Year 8 boy.  

Arthur M as Toad was a fabulously exuberant Toad, who negotiated the character’s triumphs and falls from grace with ease, as well as the many costume changes he had to make, some of which were on stage! Alfie L as Ratty and Max H as Mole provided much charm and gentleness, and have added a new skill to their dramatic repertoire: that of rowing a boat on stage. Javier as Badger was authoritative and charismatic, and was the only character who successfully put Toad in his place. Other notable performances came from Jacob H as a kindly train driver, Rupert B and Harrison E as a corrupt magistrate and clerk, Elijah as the leader of the evil Weasels, and Theo W as Albert, the depressed but cultured carthorse. Felix J, Yang Z and Daniel M carried on the noble Pilgrims’ tradition of donning women’s clothing with great style. 

Thanks must go to Mr Selwyn-Bazeley for the extraordinary and immersive set, comprising a real forest of withies, a wicker car and a cart! Miss Higham and Mr Harry Tremlett provided professional lighting and sound as ever, ably assisted by the crew, led by George W with Boris H, Finn S and Ralph M. Mr du Plessis directed the musical elements, which included two cast songs with guest appearances from some members of SCC. Mr Jennings and Mrs Duncan collaborated to produce the costumes.

Many thanks to all involved: the cast and crew have all worked incredibly hard. 

Credit @Jim Pascoe for the photographs.

The Wind in the Willows performance was much appreciated by the Pre-Prep, and here is a review from Macarthur in Year 1:

I had been really looking forward to seeing the production of Wind in the Willows and was excited to go on Thursday.  The set had trees and a boat and a caravan, which turned the Pilgrims’ Hall into a riverbank.  Mr Jennings and Mrs Duncan had got the boys costumes which turned them into animals, policemen, a judge and others.  The lead characters were terrific; Ratty, Moley, Badger and Toad.  They all remembered their lines and where to stand.  My favourite character was the horse.  He’s not in the book, but I really like him being in the play.  He was called Albert and he was hilarious. 

During the interval, Miss Higham showed me the lights and the sound buttons.  They made the production exciting and more realistic, for example, there was the sound of a motor car whenever anyone drove, and there was a big splash when Toad got thrown into the river by the barge woman.  There isn’t actually a river in the Hall, but it sounded like there was one! 

I sat close to Mr du Plessis and the band.  William S wrote the music down; it was fabulous!  I gave him 10 thumbs up for it.  Overall this was a great show.  Can’t wait for the next one.