Review of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ by King’s Ely Drama Prefect, Thomas Bateman

Published on isbi School News dated Wednesday 30th of November 2022

he Wind in the Willows’ Review – witty, commanding, wonderful and confident

“Patrick Wilson continues his directing career leading a stupendous Year 5 and 6 cast in ‘The Wind in the Willows’. In the midst of the English countryside, this play presents the adventurous animals and their exciting tales, leading the audience through a story that celebrates nature, friendship, loyalty and adventure.

“A standout star was the incredible lead, Lucas Guyer, who played ‘Toad’, and gave a terrific and compelling performance, exceptional in its maturity. Guyer deserved a stage ten times the size to match his fantastic performance.

“Though, Lucas wouldn’t get far without the amazing co-stars alongside him, with unbelievable talent shown from Eden Dine (who played ‘Rat’), Eleanor Grimshaw (playing ‘Mole’), and Alice Petre-Firth (as ‘Badger’), each giving canny and confident performances, combining to create a brilliantly lovable performance.

“Isabel Stephen and Freya Axten-Higgs were equally phenomenal as the Horses ‘Al’ and ‘Bert’, giving performances that were knowing, haughty, intelligent, and completely dependable – an absolutely unmissable pair.

“The entire cast didn’t lose a single bright and smiling face from anyone in the audience. It was a show you simply couldn’t not smile at and enjoy throughout.

“An entirely necessary special mention to Nicholas Nesterov-Smith, who had the audience in the palm of his hand as the marvellous ‘Magistrate’, not forgetting my new favourite cheeky ‘Chief Weasel’ at King’s Ely after seeing Rosalind Crowe give a talented and splendid performance.”

Thomas Bateman (Year 13 Drama Prefect)