The Wind in the Willows – Blackpool Grand

A lovely evening at Blackpool Grand Theatre supporting the summer youth production, this year’s performance is ‘The Wind in the Willows.’ The Kenneth Grahame’s best-selling classic book and songs by Olivier Award-winning composers and lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

The performance was accompanied by a 9-piece live band, led by Ash Goodinson. The show was vocally and musically very clean throughout. The harmonies were tight and well-polished. The team led by the director Mykey J Young and Choreographer Holly Rostron, know exactly what they’re doing.

An immersive Creative very well put together performance, with every detail thought out from the scenery and props right the way down to the accessories for the costumes.

Performed entirely by young local performers, 50 of them! The entire process is an intensive set of rehearsals with the performance at the end, a fantastic opportunity to learn in a professional environment, whilst having fun and it was clear tonight that they were having a great time onstage.

Guiding us through the storyline at the centrepiece the four leading animals, The main man himself Toad brought to us by a very talented triple threat in the form of Annie Goodson, she really embodied the character well, her physicality was excellent.

Ellis Rial as Mole, was very likable and has a lovely singing voice. Tiana Gaskell as Ratty was very strong vocally and Kyle Cooper great as Badger. Leading the baddies a very capable Tillie Calvert as Chief Weasel. With a production this size I always feel guilty not naming everybody. So what I will say, is if I’ve missed anybody out the entire cast worked very hard.

Several times this evening, I forgot that not only was I watching a group of young people but also that they are amateurs not being paid, so much talent in the cast.

Just a couple of issues with vocal projection and or the volume of the microphones whilst talking mainly, a few of the lines were lost in both dialogue and songs. Also a few of the moments of comedy I felt were lost, a longer pause needed after the punchlines to give the audience time to react before moving on. The sound definitely improved as the performance went on. It was opening night.

A special mention for the young lady playing the horse (I think as I could find her listed in the programme) pulling the carriage, she was exuding personality, confidence, and was truly happy to be performing.

Also, to the team of adorable little hedgehogs.

Heartwarming lessons of friendship and good overcoming evil. A perfect evening for all the family during the summer holidays.

Throughout the performance, the entire show was performed in British sign language, a really nice touch and a lot of work for Eva Smith, taking on all of the characters including the song lyrics.

Performances run through until Sunday, the 17th of August, get your tickets while you can and support your local stars of tomorrow.

Reviewer: Rebecca Casey

Reviewed: 14th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: