GET ready for an adventure packed with friendship and a touch of mischief! Join Q Theatre’s Junior Performance Ensemble as they bring Kenneth Grahame’s beloved classic The Wind in the Willows to life on the stage at The Joan, Penrith for two shows only, 29 & 30 November.
Adapted by Mike Smith and Keith Dawson, this lively, music-filled adaptation follows Mole, Ratty, Badger and the irrepressible Mr Toad on their escapades through the wild woods and along the riverbank.
Directed by acclaimed actor and director Sean Hall (Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre and NIDA), The Wind in the Willows marks an exciting milestone for Q Theatre’s new training initiative, giving local performers aged 9-12 the opportunity to experience the thrill of a production, from audition and rehearsal to the final curtain call.
Hall said, “From the moment I met this young cast of talented performers at the auditions, I knew that the Junior Performance Ensemble production of Wind in the Willows would be both a lot of fun and a joy to direct.
Growing up watching the adventures of Kenneth Grahame’s memorable characters on TV after school and then playing Badger as an adult for the Australian Shakespeare Company, directing this production of The Wind in the Willows feels like meeting with an old friend. Rat and Mole, Badger and Toad, and all the woodland and riverbank creatures (even the weasels from the wild woods) have a certain charm they bring to both the performer and the audience.
This opportunity to guide our company to find their own voice inside this magical world is a real privilege for me and I am excited to share our production with all the families, friends and local community members.”
Witness the world of whimsy, laughter and unforgettable moments, guaranteed to delight, inspire and spark the imaginations of devotees of the book and new fans of all ages.
CAST AND CREATIVES
Director: Sean Hall
Set and Costume Designer: Taleece Paki
Toad: Theo Tolland Mole: Eleanor Engelhardt
Rat: Ava Young Badger: Jeevan Jithu Ensemble of Woodland Creatures: Monty Corkill, Elka Hay, Spencer Mitchell, Lily Noonan, Maggie Sanson, Arlen Seeley, Xara Sengos and Akenya Vithanage
ABOUT SEAN HALL
After graduating from NIDA with a bachelor of acting, Sean has performed in theatre, film, and television both in Australia and internationally.
For the stage, Sean has performed with the Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre, Pinchgut Opera, Hayes Theatre Company, The Old Fitz, and The Australian Shakespeare Company. Sean’s screen credits include The Illusionist, Australia, The Road from Coorain, Pulse, and Critical Incident.
As a director Sean has directed productions for both stage and screen, and most recently directed the NIDA Rockstars Showcase in the Parade Playhouse at NIDA. Sean is proud to be directing the Junior Performance Ensemble production of The Wind in the Willows for the Q Theatre at The Joan, Penrith.
KEY DETAILS
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith
Dates & Times: Saturday 29 November at 6pm
Sunday 30 November at 1:30pm
Duration: 55 minutes (No interval)
Tickets: Adult $35, Child Under 16 $30, Family of Four Pass $110
A booking fee of $5 applies to all transactions.
MORE INFORMATION & BOOKINGS: www.thejoan.com.au/whats-on/the-wind-in-the-willows/
