Next Stop: Toad Hall!
Whether you are familiar with the original novel by Kenneth Grahame, the stop motion film, the Disney animated short film, or the more recent 2016 musical, it is hard to deny The Wind in the Willows as one of the greats in children’s literature. The adventures of Mole (Liv Hendy) and Rat (Essie Latimer-Scahill) as they try to help the infamous Toad (Kai Kerr) out of his nasty habits have been adapted countless times, and are still refreshing and charming with each new take.
This holds true for Bottle Tree Productions’ entry in the 2025 TK Fringe Festival: The Open Road by Anne Marie Mortensen. This new adaptation features original music performed live by Michael Donnelly (credited as “Troubadour” in the show’s program). The music is a lovely touch to an already pleasant piece—the Troubadour provides something to listen to as the scenes change and lyrics that act as perfect bookends to the play’s action. The stage is set with two small stumps in the beginning, but does not remain so empty for very long; as soon as the production begins it bursts to life with a wide array of animals who call the area in and around Wild Wood their home.
The show’s ensemble of young performers do a fantastic job bringing the critters to life. The story begins with Rat introducing everyone to the newcomer, Mole, and giving them a tour of the area. Because of this structure, Hendy is able to act as the audience’s very own set of eyes into the new world as we learn everything at the same time as Mole. Latimer-Scahill also does a wonderful job as our guide to the town, bringing a touch of humour to many of the introductions as Rat adjures the inhabitants of the area for some free food. One of the funniest exchanges in the piece occurs between Latimer-Scahill and Bria Dubey as Otter. As Rat pleads for a portion of Otter’s fishing haul, Dubey perfectly captures the awkward avoidance of someone who so blatantly breaks social cues.
Another prominent character is Elzie Gadbois’s Rabbit, who has Mole and Rat over for tea. Gadbois is frantic and bordering on neurotic, easily frightened by everything which offers many hilarious moments. Badger is slightly less prominent than in other adaptations, but Violet Young makes an impression in the role nonetheless. Young’s take on Badger is quiet but aggressive, acting as the true driving force behind the eventual intervention with Toad regarding spending habits. In addition to these larger roles easily recognizable from the classic story, the ensemble brings life to new characters not in the original tale.
Two pairs make some of the most memorable moments of the adaptation: brothers Bobby and Billy Hedgehog performed by Elliott and Ridley Whitehorn-Gillam regularly grace the stage haplessly navigating the water or bickering in a true brotherly fashion. Another entertaining duo are Evelyn and Isabelle Donnelly as the head and tail of a horse. The two race around the stage completely independently, narrowly dodging Toad. Once they are eventually caught and put to work drawing a cart, Evelyn Donnelly gives a proud and headstrong character to the Horse’s head while Isabelle Donnelly provides wonderful foley work creating the distinctive sounds of trotting hooves.
Finally, who could forget about the grand adventure taken by Toad. Kerr’s Toad is just as obsessive and chaotic as you could hope for in the beloved character, bounding around and across the stage with a seemingly bottomless supply of energy. Along Toad’s journey, the compulsive amphibian depends on the help of a Barge Woman played by Addie May. May’s banter with Kerr is dry and hilarious–not so subtly hinting that the kindness of this Barge Woman is earned by taking a share of the barge’s labour.
The Open Road features an extremely talented group of young artists performing a story that has been a favourite of mine since childhood. The performers have a strong understanding of the classic characters, and the original songs give the chaotic tale moments of calm respite as the night goes on. Mortensen’s take on the timeless story provides all the charm to be expected of The Wind in the Willows while also bringing a few new unexpected laughs to the stage.
‘The Open Road’ plays until today, August 17, 2025 at the Baby Grand Theatre in the TK Fringe as part of The Kick & Push Festival. More information about the festival can be found here.
