Wind in the Willows the Musical to open at the London Palladium Summer 2017

The new British musical heads to the London Palladium

It has been announced that the new musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows about the thrill-seeking, lovable menace Mr Toad will open at the London Palladium in London's West End in Summer 2017.

This brand new British musical features a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter and 'Downton Abbey' creator Julian Fellowes and score by Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist team George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. It is currently running at the The Lowry in Salford and the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, prior to the run at the London Palladium.

The musical currently stars Rufus Hound as Toad, David Birrell as Badger, Fra Fee as Mole, Thomas Howes as Ratty, Neil McDermott as Chief Weasel and Sophia Nomvete as Mrs Otter. Casting for the West End run is yet to be confirmed.

"Ratty, Badger and Mole join the exuberant Toad and embark on a series of adventures and misadventures caused by his insatiable need for speed! Imprisoned for theft and with his existence under threat from the inhabitants of the Wild Wood, Toad must attempt a daring escape to defend Toad Hall."

The Wind in the Willows is produced by Jamie Hendry, MJE Productions and Josh Gilinski in association with Theatre Royal Plymouth. It is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh with design by Peter McKintosh, choreography by Aletta Collins, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestrations by Chris Jahnke and David Shrubsole and musical supervision by Simon Lee.