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Arena Theatre Regent Centre Christchurch November 2005 And if you get tired of watching the actors – but believe me, you won’t – there’s always the wonderful animated back-cloths to look at, complete with cows, butterflies, roaring fires et al. Oh, and the train journey sequence has to be seen to be believed. The performances are a joy. Adam Donoghue’s bumptious Toad, Jane Haynes’ child-like Mole, Tim Wallace-Abbott’s stern Rat and Richard Oakley’s bossy Badger lead a fine, super-lively cast. Also particularly noticeable is Gareth Richards, who not only makes a great job of directing but also creates a memorable cameo as Albert, a Brummie-accented horse. And Neil Mathieson, who is responsible for those amazing animations, has a scene-stealing role as Rupert-Monica (don’t ask!). Although Alan Bennett’s adaptation is clearly adult orientated, there is more than enough humour to amuse children as well, and the darker side of the story is played down sufficiently to keep nightmares at bay. At least, I think it does. If I am kept awake by visions of evil Weasels, Mr Toad may be facing another court case in the morning. Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo 
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