Dunhurst Puts the Wind in the Willows at the Olivier Theatre
About Bedales
Dunhurst Puts the Wind in the Willows at the Olivier Theatre
25/01/2011
Dunhurst pupils put on a fantastic production of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved story, Wind in the Willows, last week and filled the Bedales Olivier Theatre with scores of acting weasels, stoats, otters, ducks, rabbits and the rest of the Wild Wood’s population as they followed Mole (Naveed Khalessi), Ratty (Hebe Bartlett), Badger (Ashley Viljoen) and Toad (Katy Scott) on their wonderful journey.
Directed by Dunhurst’s Head of Drama, Simon Kingsley-Pallant, with Head of Music Kathy Misson-Uttley conducting the musical score and Dance teacher Rosie Nash’s choreography, the audience enjoyed full immersion into life by the river, in the wood, on the road and underground assisted by the lighting and special effects created by Janet Auty and her technical crew.
The cast of 95 pupils did the school proud with superb acting, performing two evening shows and a
Saturday matinee to a packed theatre. The play was interwoven with contemporary storylines, such as the weasels and stoats’ threat to turn Toad Hall into a Leisure Centre complete with multi-gym, spa and an 18-hole golf course.
Commenting on the production, Dunhurst Head Penny Watkins said: “The performance was spellbinding. We were so impressed with the pupil’s uninhibited and undaunted stage presence. All our productions involve the entire school community and I believe this really helps the children’s confidence when they have the support of their fellow classmates and their teachers.”
To view the programme designed by the children please click here.
