New Musical The Wind in the Willows announces Original London Cast Recording

New British musical announces cast recording

It has been announced that the new West End musical The Wind in the Willows will release an Original London Cast Recording in mid-June to coincide with the opening of the show at the London Palladium on 29 June, following previews from 16 June 2017.

Producers Jamie Hendry and Sony Masterworks Broadway announced the news of the 20-track album which was recorded by the London company earlier this month. The album is available for pre-order today and is available on Sony Masterworks Broadway.

Featuring music and lyrics by Olivier Award-winners George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the album features the full West End cast and fourteen-piece band. It has been produced by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and co-produced by Simon Lee with Tris Penna as executive producer.

Based on Kenneth Grahame's novel of the same name The Wind in the Willows has been adapted for the stage by Julian Fellowes. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh it features choreography by Aletta Collins, set and costume design by Peter McKintosh, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Gareth Owen, wig and makeup design by Linda McKnight, orchestrations by Chris Jahnke and David Shrubsole and musical supervision by Simon Lee.

The original London cast features Rufus Hound as 'Mr Toad' alongside Simon Lipkin as 'Rat', Craig Mather as 'Mole', Neil McDermott as 'Chief Weasel', Denise Welch as 'Mrs Otter' and Gary Wilmot as 'Badger. The ensemble includes Chris Aukett, Joel Baylis, Jenna Boyd, Abigail Brodie, Abigail Climer, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Nicole Deon, Emilie du Leslay, Joshua Gannon, James Gant, Evan James, Michael Larcombe, Bethany Linsdell, Ryan Pidgen, Adam Vaughan, Georgie Westall and Natalie Woods.

"This riotous comedy follows the impulsive Mr Toad whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home under threat from the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt a daring escape leading to a series of misadventures and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall."

The musical arrives at the London Palladium following a pre-West End tour that included Southampton, Salford and Plymouth.

The Wind in the Willows tickets are on sale to 9 September.