Wind In The Willows new adaptation planned for west end.

A new musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's novel The Wind in the Willows, is to be produced in the West End.

Julian Fellowes is writing the new book, with music & lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The three first collaborated on Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's musical Mary Poppins which ran for three years in the West End and has been playing on Broadway since 2006.

It is being developed and produced by Jamie Hendry Productions, but as yet no dates or theatre have been confirmed.

Julian Fellowes is best know for creating the period drama Downton Abbey. He won an Oscar in 2002 for his Gosford Park screenplay.

George Stiles and Anthony Drewe have been writing together for twenty-eight years. They are best known for writing new songs for Mary Poppins, Honk!, and more recently Betty Blue Eyes.

Julian Fellowes: "The Wind in the Willows is one of our greatest classics, and as true and entertaining now as it has ever been. I am delighted and tremendously flattered to have been asked to write the book for the new musical. In fact, I suspect this is something I've been wanting to do subconsciously for many years."

George Stiles: "Ever since working with Julian on Mary Poppins, the three of us have been looking for a new project. We all celebrate our English roots as writers, and the musical possibilities of Kenneth Grahame's classic chime very strongly with me. The book itself is packed with music and songs so I can't wait to find the sounds to score Ratty, Mole, Badger, Toad and their adventures."

Anthony Drewe: "I loved Kenneth Grahame's novel as a boy and it still resonates with me as an adult, but I suspect it is one of those stories that people 'think' they know. There are different depths in the writing as well as some interesting incidents often omitted in other adaptations. Together with Julian, we are looking forward to turning this classic story into a musical that, like the book, will appeal to all generations."
 

The Wind in The Willows tickets are now on sale

Originally published on

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