The Wind in the Willows - full cast announced

The full cast has been announced for the The Royal Opera House production of The Wind in the Willows, which will open at the Vaudeville Theatre on 4 December 2014, following previews from 26 November - running to 17 January 2015.

Joining the previously announced Alan Titchmarsh (Narrator) will be Martin Harvey (Ratty), Cris Penfold (Toad), Ira Mandela Siobhan (Badger) and Sonya Cullingford (Mole).

The production enjoyed its first West End run, marking the first ever commercial transfer of the Royal Opera House, when it transferred to the Duchess Theatre in December 2013. The show went on to win the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment & Family at this year's awards.

Synopsis: "Based on Kenneth Grahame's timeless classic, the adventures of four woodland friends are retold through dance, song, music and puppetry. From a dusty old attic a wonderful tale unfolds; the peaceful riverbank world is rocked by a speeding car, a racing train and criminal deeds cooked up in the Wild Wood."

The creative team behind The Wind in the Willows features direction and choreography by Will Tuckett, music by Martin Ward, narration by Andrew Motion, set design by The Quay Brothers, costumes by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting by Warren Letton, and puppet design by Toby Olié.

Martin Harvey's West End stage credits include the lead role of Johnny Castle in 'Dirty Dancing'. He is a former member of the Royal Ballet School and London's Royal Ballet Company. Cris Penfold will be reprising his role as Toad in this year's production. His London stage credits include 'The Star Child' at the Menier Chocolate Factory, 'Soho Cinders' at the Queen's Theatre and 'Oliver!' at the London Palladium. Ira Mandela Siobhan's London stage credits include 'FELA!' at the National Theatre, and both 'Feast' and 'A Season in the Congo' at the Young Vic Theatre. Sonya Cullingford has performed in the original production of The Wind in the Willows at the Royal Opera House.

The Royal Opera House production of The Wind in the Willows is produced by CMP, Act Productions,William Archer for Bob & Co and Celia Atkin.