If you go down to the woods today...

Published: 11:34 AM February 22, 2007

Updated: 10:37 PM February 22, 2021

THE Plinston Hall in Letchworth GC proved a wonderful venue for The Young Arcadians presentation of Wind In The Willows, directed by Simon Latter. Starring Chris Skinner as the exuberant, eccentric Toad, fashionably attired and padded to perfection, it b

THE Plinston Hall in Letchworth GC proved a wonderful venue for The Young Arcadians' presentation of Wind In The Willows, directed by Simon Latter.

Starring Chris Skinner as the exuberant, eccentric Toad, fashionably attired and padded to perfection, it began slowly with the introduction of Kate Lambert as the shy, bookish Mole yearning for adventure.

Her simple costume with miner's hat and goggles was delightful, as was her performance. She meets the kindly upper class Water Rat, (Mark Finch) - beautifully portrayed, ESPECIALLY the hand and facial movements - along the riverbank and he introduces her to his friends in The Wild Wood.

Now although we meet the lovable old Badger, (Phil Skinner) and some cute little rabbits, there are enemies in the woods. The evil Chief Weasel, a 50s rocker (James Fletcher), and the Chief Stoat, a mean siren who wants her man (Hannah Scanlon), together with their entourage are planning to take over Toad's home at Toad Hall. So when we meet the glorious Toad, once again in trouble for crashing cars, something's got to give.

This leads to a hilarious courtroom scene, with Toad defending himself, a jail escape and a wonderful Chaplin-esque film effect using strobe lighting.

Chris Skinner was a marvellous choice for Toad and the music was wonderfully directed by Nikki Laurence.