Martin Harvey, Cris Penfold & More Join Cast of Royal Opera House's THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

The Wind in the Willows is delighted to announce full casting for the Christmas 2014 production today. The cast join previously announced Alan Titchmarsh who makes his West End debut starring as the narrator.

Martin Harvey will take on the role of Ratty. Harvey's extensive dance career has included numerous principal roles with The Royal Ballet from Mayerling, Onegin and La Fille mal gardée, to Manon and Romeo and Juliet. Harvey's acting credits include his award-winning performance as Johnny Castle in the West End production of Dirty Dancing as well as multiple roles in New York, including Richard Eyre's production of Carmen for the Metropolitan Opera, Twyla Tharp's Come Fly Away and David Michalek's Portraits in Dramatic Time. Completing the riverbank's woodland quartet, Cris Penfold returns to the cast to resume his role as Toad, Ira Mandela Siobhan will play Badger and Sonya Cullingford will play Mole, returning to the cast after performing in the original production. Other members of the company include: Ewan Wardrop, Kayleigh Gore, Jay Webb, Alastair Postlewaite, Jessica Ellen, Rachael Mossom, Jo Meredith and Aron Wild.

This well-loved story is brought to life through song, music, dance and puppetry. The production, directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, makes its return to the West End after an Olivier Award-winning run last Christmas. The production will be at the Vaudeville Theatre from Wednesday 26 November 2014 to Saturday 17 January 2015.

Will Tuckett's critically acclaimed production transferred to the Duchess Theatre in December 2013, presented by CMP, and marked the Royal Opera House's first commercial transfer, a significant first for the organisation. The production, which was named Best Entertainment and Family at the 2014 Olivier Awards, will this year run for eight weeks at the Vaudeville Theatre.

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 escapades of the hot-headed Toad, debonair Ratty, shy Mole and wise Badger are brought vividly to life in a production that has charmed audiences of all ages. Drawing inspiration from the music of Edwardian composer George Butterworth, the action is set to a score by Martin Ward.

Through Tuckett's choreography, with narration written by former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion and designs from The Quay Brothers and Nicky Gillibrand, the Vaudeville Theatre will be transformed into the magical world of Grahame's tale.

Recommended for everyone aged 5 and over.

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