From Southport to Stockport brand new musical The Wind in the Willows is full of North West talent. 

Originally born in Southport, and spending a number of years in Formby, EastEnders bad-boy and Shrek star Neil McDermott takes on the role of Chief Weasel in the musical.Stockport born Graham Lappin has a long history with theatre in Manchester, as a performer and an audience member. This will be his first time performing at The Lowry.

Following open auditions in both London and Manchester it was in the North West that the role of Mrs Otter’s daughter Portia was cast. Holly Willock, who currently lives in Cheadle, impressed in her audition at The Lowry in April to secure the role.

Holly Willock said, “My open audition at The Lowry was a frightening but exciting experience. I never dreamed it would lead to me going to London to be part of a new musical and making my professional debut. I have been coming to The Lowry for years as a member of the audience, so performing in my home town for all my friends and family is going to be an incredibly special moment.”

Based on Kenneth Grahame’s treasured novel which has captivated generations of readers for over a century, The Wind in the Willows has been adapted for the stage with a book by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Fellowes, Stiles and Drewe previously collaborated together on the hugely successful international hit musical Mary Poppins which ran for three years in the West End and six years on Broadway and on a new version of Half a Sixpence.

Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale about the thrill-seeking Mr Toad comes to life in a brand new stage musical. Ratty, Badger and Mole join the exuberant Toad and embark on a series of adventures and misadventures caused by his insatiable need for speed! Imprisoned for theft and with his existence under threat from the inhabitants of the Wild Wood, Toad must attempt a daring escape to defend Toad Hall. Featuring spectacular stagecraft and a company of over fifty, this sparkling new musical with a glorious original score brings this treasured British classic to life in what is set to be 2016’s wildest theatrical adventure. 

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