The Wind In The Willows in the West End

A Musical Adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 Novel Heading to a London theatre

The latest big announcement in the capital’s theatre scene relates to the classic 1908 novel by Kenneth Grahame – “The Wind In The Willows” – which has recently been announced as an upcoming West End musical. George Stiles and Antony Drewe are among the names attached to the production, as well as Julian Fellowes, and though a date and venue for the production are yet to be revealed it has been confirmed that the show will receive its premiere in a London theatre.

Julian Fellowes, who teams with Stiles and Drewe for the production, will be returning to the West End following various previous stints in the capital. In regards to theatre productions he is perhaps best known for “Mary Poppins”, which also saw him team with Stiles and Drew, though he has also worked on other theatre productions, as well as television shows and films as both a writer and an actor.  His credits include the popular series “Downton Abbey”, which he created, “Gosford Park” and “The Importance of Being Earnest”, whilst his acting credits include “The Scarlett Pimpernel” and the James Bond movie “Tomorrow Never Dies”.

Stiles and Drewe have worked together on a wide range of productions over the years and in addition to the mentioned “Mary Poppins”, for which they provided various songs, they have also penned shows like “Frost at Midnight”, “Tutankhamun”, “Dave”, “Honk!”, “Soho Cinders” at the Novello Theatre and the recently-closed “Betty Blue Eyes”, which also ran at the Novello Theatre. They have also worked on separate projects, with George Stiles” working on “The Three Musketeers” and Anthony Drewe directing shows in Chicago and beyond.

There has been plenty of attention thrown in the direction of “The Wind In The Willows” due to the mentioned team-up, but it will also be hotly anticipated as the original novel is held in high regards. It tells the story of four animals – Mr Badger, Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad – who embark on an adventure when Mr Toad gets them into trouble with some weasels.

More details are likely to emerge regarding “The Wind In The Willows” as time goes on, including the planned venue and premiere date.