Illyria’s The Wind in the Willows at Claremont Farm 28.8.2025
Ed Barrett
February 17, 2026
I know that The Wind in the Willows has a dear place in the hearts of those who read it as children.
Overall Rating: 3*
It is difficult to adapt a successful, long-running and much loved TV programme to a stage play. This is acknowledged although many have succeeded. This production, however written by Alma Cullen and Directed by Anthony Banks for me, fell short. At times it felt too drawn out, emphasising the obvious yet skimming over aspects of the plot that needed a little further explanation. It also appeared too wordy and waffly which detracted from an already lengthy plot. The audience around me were restless. A few people fell asleep and snored… loudly. Unfortunately and disappointingly, I found myself thinking about work the next day and household chores that needed doing. Despite these lapses, the plot hadn’t moved on and I was able to get back on track.
The set and scene changes were effective as were the pops and costumes however overall, I felt deflated upon leaving as the production material promised a ‘chilling mystery’.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the box office at either the Playhouse or The Everyman Theatre.
Tue 13 – Sat 17 Jan 2026
I know that The Wind in the Willows has a dear place in the hearts of those who read it as children.
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The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.