The Wind in the Willows

Immersion Theatre

Lydiard Park

Friday 14th July

What could be more perfect for children on a Friday evening than sitting in the sunshine in Lydiard Park whilst watching a theatre production of The Wind in the Willows?

The fabulous professional touring company that is Immersion Theatre returned to Swindon with this well loved tale to an outside stage, situated near the front of Lydiard House, and all of the crowd seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.

The cast of five kept us all entertained with their high energy portrayal of boat-loving Ratty, curious Mole and the crazy Toad and how they went on an amazing adventure where they came face to face with the cheeky weasels and had to save Toad Hall.

This was a truly special family occasion, where people enjoyed their picnics and laughed along to all of the jokes (some of which being aimed at the receptive adults in the crowd – such as comments about Donald Trump and a well-deserved moan about Piers Morgan).

It was especially funny when there were references to the “posh M & S picnics” in the crowd, apparently meaning that we are a bit up-market in Swindon.

The cast truly captured the hearts of the children as they all yelped and squealed with delight at various points throughout the performance, which included a interval where people could enjoy drinks and ice cream at the Coach House Tea Rooms.

There was lots of crowd participation, which the little ones loved, as we were invited to shout out at certain points and the kids were asked to stand up and march and also shout out their names after a count of three.

This was a production that warmed the heart as you could hear the laughter of the children coming in constant waves; they especially were tickled by the police chase section of the show.

Our imaginations could run wild as we watched the different characters come and go, in their various colourful costumes, and it really took us adults on a trip down memory lane as we remembered this classic tale of friendship and fun.

All of the actors (Ashley Cavender, Robert Oliver, David Sandham, Robert Woodward and Gregor Duncan) were exceptional and clearly loved the fact that this was their job. Who wouldn’t? Making children giggle for a living and bringing joy into the hearts of the crowd is a job worth having!This was a perfect summer treat and I can’t wait to see what Immersion Theatre brings to our town next.- KELLY JOBANPUTRA