The Wind in the Willows, Vaudeville Theatre

The Royal Ballet Wind in the Willows is the first Royal Opera House production to be transferred to the West End, making it a safe bet for this year’s Christmas family outing.
Demand for tickets was high last year for the successful revival of director and choreographer Will Tuckett’s popular Christmas production of Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s story. And now family favourite and TV gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh will be starring as narrator, there's more fun in store. Reflecting on the role, Titchmarsh said: "I am thrilled and delighted to be joining this tremendous production which celebrates my all-time favourite children's book. Poop poop!"
The first half may be a bit slow for some tastes, but the Telegraph described the show, with its sophisticated dancing and puppetry, as ‘moving and atmospheric'. The British Theatre Guide Review summed it up well as ‘nostalgic childhood escapism.’ Certainly, when we took our children last year, they were captivated by the creative take on the escapades of the much-loved woodland friends.
The portrait of the British countryside has a certain charm that appeals to all ages. The characters are wonderful stereotypes, enhanced by Tuckett’s ballet-meets-musical-theatre choreography. For this and its warm glow of nostalgia, it will be one of the best Christmas shows in London 2014, but watch out for the police chase which rampages through the foyer in the interval – and for the weasels…