Wind in the Willows - UK Tour & London Palladium

I really don't get all the negativity. Yeah the story isn't very strong, but the music was rather catchy, some performances we're really good and enjoyable (the Wild Wooders, the horse, the hedgehog (well me and my friend thought it was funny) there was lots of references to other shows (toad4601 when Toad is in custody)

I thought the set was nice, as well as costumes and singing-wise I thought there was no weak performances. It might not be the most 'serious' product, but what they have done in my opinion is a serious attempt for a fun (kids) show.

p.s anthony40 too bad I couldnt find you anymore after the show. Hope you enjoyed it! 

Just had a look at TodayTix App for this show and the night I wanted had 5 different price ranges for the stalls, so thought I investigate via here.

So the most expensive one first.

£98 - Will get you Row I - Seat 24 (Pretty Dead Centre)- (Theatrempnkey advises that these are "premium seats". marked light green)
£45 - Will get you Row E - Seat 7 (Right Hand Side)-(Theatremonkey advises that seat is "generally unremarkable", marked white)
£33 - Will get you Row X - Seat 14 (Pretty Dead Centre, but back row next to sounddesk)- (Theatremonkey advises that "better seats can be had, at the same price" seat marked red)
£24.50 - Will get you Row V - Seat 1 (Very Right Hand Side, Second to last row)- (Theatremonkey advises that "better seats can be had, at the same price" seat marked red)
£20 - - Will get you Row S - Seat 27 (Pretty Dead Centre) - (Theatremonkey advises that seat is "generally unremarkable", marked white, row behind (row T) offers noticeable value)

I posted this as it points out, if you are willing to sit 10 rows back, you can save yourself a eye watering £78, in a seat that is quite decent, would normally be a £67.50 seat.

Well...., I saw this on the official opening night in Plymouth last October (I think it was) with my Theatre School. Very disappointing. I seriously hoped for a darker twist or at least more angst in the storyline. I'm so glad I managed to get discounted tickets because the maximum I would want to pay would be £10.

A few good songs (loved Spring and the second act opener was strong too) but book? What book? And I'm afraid I also found the performances below par from most of the cast (compared to other things I've seen them in). Strongest for me was Mr Lipkin. Liked the costumes.

Seen it. Won't be seeing it again.

I'm going to be a bit controversial now but I enjoyed it. I actually knew I would so wasn't really that surprised. Had a bit of a musical weekend with some family visiting and we had already done Matilda the night before and Kinky Boots in the afternoon. The Wind in the Willows ticket was a present from them and the show was their choice. They had actually booked in advance and paid full price so I kept quiet that there were offers on the show.
I thought it was a very sweet, British musical to appeal to the target audience of families and children. There were certainly lots of children there who seemed to love it. They were so well behaved and the show kept their attention throughout.
Sets and design were lovely as were the costumes. Good cast as well. OK Rufus Hound was OTT but got the biggest cheer from the audience so they obviously liked him. Stand out for me was Simon Lipkin who was very funny, but then I am a bit of a Lipkin fan anyway. Even Denise Walsh (who is no singer) put in a good performance.
I always like Styles and Drew's music so knew exactly what to expect. No I cant really remember any of the songs but if I listed to them 2 or 3 times then several would remain in my head. However I did come away humming "messing about on a boat in the river".
Now most of us on the theatre board go to the theatre a lot and see a huge variety of shows and, especially if you live in London, get the chance to see the biggest names and the best shows. But I would think that a high percentage of the audience here do not go the theatre often so this is a treat for them and a lot of them wouldn't know Sondheim if it bit them on the bum. My family is a perfect example. They live in Cornwall. A visit to the theatre in London is a treat, they are not newbies to the theatre as go a few times a year to Theatre Royal Plymouth so have seen great shows. Now they really enjoyed it and not in anyway disappointed. They had also not read any reviews so had not seen the negative comments. I think they are typical of the audience for this show.
The very sad thing was how empty the theatre was. I would say the stall were not even half full, could not see how busy it was in the dress and I think the upper circle was closed and this was a Saturday night. Must be awful for the cast who work so hard. Its a shame to see any show not doing well. Just hope things pick up with the kids go on holiday.
So all in all an enjoyable evening and if scoring then I would give it 3.5

I'd be interested to know @theatremonkey, do you think the problem is that this is a top-down production, rather than a bottom-up one? Perhaps I'm being naive, but don't composer usually write a show, or at least have an idea, then find a producer?

Love Quentin Letts's (not words often heard from me) damning with faint praise review in the Waitrose free rag (where else?) -

'The whole thing is easy enough to sit through...'

Didn't hate it.

Story is pants, but it's a kids show so forgiven. Plus I quite like Neil McDermott, I've a thing for a bad boy, even if he's playing a weasel.

Well. I do love a small production of lesser known musical in a fringe venue but it's lovely to be reminded of a big splashy show with fancy sets and costumes and big casts and an orchestra every now and again. I really rather liked this one. Granted, the story is slight at best but it's all very well done and the cast are great. I loved the set (it's smashing) and it's got the best curtain in London's glitzy West End after the sparkly Dreamgirls one.

And what you also get for your money is one of the loveliest, cuddliest, warmest, sweetest duos around in Simon Lipkin as Rat ("oh, we're sticking with Ratty are we?") and especially Craig Mather as Mole. Although James Gant does almost steal the show as Mr Hedgehog.

It was very empty last night. Kids well behaved. Parents not so much. Where is your taser gun when you need it eh?

I'm getting worried about Ryan. He's gone all serious again!

Closing in three weeks time....shame but I wasn't thrilled by it. Just did nt see who the target audience was