They’re messing about on the river

A new musical adaptation of Wind in the Willows is being performed until Saturday, with lyrics by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, and music by composers and lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

The organisers say the toe-tapping musical numbers will have families humming songs for weeks afterwards.

The show is presented by The Sainsbury Singers, who were the first group to perform at the newly opened Hexagon Theatre in 1977.

Eve MacDonald from the group said: “We’re very excited to be performing where we first began, on this is our

85th anniversary, and also the theatre’s 45th year.

“This show appeals to all ages.

“And the music really is fantastic, I’ve been totally won over by the gorgeous harmonies.”

Kenneth Grahame was inspired to write his children’s classic by his love of the Berkshire countryside.

The story takes place along the riverbank, and boasts a colourful cast of woodland creatures, including the impulsive Mr Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble.

“We have a cast of around 30, all playing lots of different kinds of animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, mice, and weasels,” said Ms MacDonald.

“The actors use minimal costume to create the creatures.

“Their characterisations are mostly created with clever movement and choreography.”

With his home under threat from the chief weasel and his gang of Wild Wooders, Toad is forced to attempt a daring escape.

It leads him to a series of misadventures, and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall.

Director Matthew Smith said; “This is such a well-known story and the musical adaptation has something for everyone.

“The songs are catchy, and the script has moments of humour as well as sadness.

“The cast have been working incredibly hard, and from what I’ve seen in the rehearsal room it’s going to be a fantastic show.”

Rehearsals for Wind In The Willows began in January.

“It’s been a real joy rehearsing this production,” said Ms MacDonald.

“The society has a great family feel to it, and people do tend to stay.

“One of our families now has three generations of performers.”

The Sainsbury Singers have previously performed Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, Chess and most recently, Made in

Dagenham.

The Reading-based amateur musical theatre group was established in 1938 by Frank Sainsbury.

Productions range from Gilbert And Sullivan operettas and Offenbach, to Oklahama! and My Fair Lady, along with modern productions, including Jekyll and Hyde.

Wind In The Willows can be seen at The Hexagon Theatre, until Saturday. Curtain up is at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £25, £22 for seniors and students, or £14.50 for under 16s tickets.

■ For tickets and information, visit: www.whatsonreading.com