Stunning review published in Winchester Today. Click here to read the full article.

The garden of Wolvesey Palace, the official residence of the Bishop of Winchester, is the setting for the Chesil Theatre’s open-air show, The Wind in the Willows, in just two weeks from 17 to 21 July.

The play opens one sunny morning when a fed-up Mole quits his spring-cleaning to explore the riverbank where he meets Ratty. Together they begin an adventure that takes them on the open road with Badger and the irrepressible, loveable rogue Toad.  The tale of The Wind in the Willows has been delighting the world for generations. This version of Kenneth Grahame’s family classic, adapted by Alan Bennett, remains true to the original story and contains plenty of comedy, live music and songs.

Director, Jo Ashwell said: “Reading The Wind in the Willows is one of my earliest childhood memories. I remember every drawing vividly! So you can imagine how overjoyed I am to be directing this show and working with a wonderfully talented group of actors and backstage crew. We are lucky, thanks to the Bishop of Winchester who has kindly given us permission, to perform in the beautiful garden at Wolvesey Palace because it is rarely open to the general public. The garden provides the perfect backdrop for a picnic and is a great setting for the play. We hope audiences will be thoroughly entertained by this fun-filled family show. Our aim is to put a put a smile on the faces of our audiences, whatever age they are.”

Performances 17 - 21 July at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 21 July.
Tickets: £13 (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat matinee) & £16 (Fri, Sat eve) Family tickets £42 (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat matinee) & £48 (Fri, Sat eve). There are reduced prices for under 18s and group concessions. Tickets available online: chesiltheatre.org.uk or tel. 0333 666 3366. Gates open 90 minutes before each performance, so picnickers can enjoy the gardens beforehand. For more information, please visit website www.chesiltheatre.org.uk