9.09°C Review by Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Editor, Paul T. Davies
The Wind in the Willows, presented by the Mercury Young Company, played on the Mercury Theatre main stage in Colchester.
Just a week on from the sold-out triumph of The Manningtree Witches, the Mercury Theatre is buzzing and full again as the community groups take to the stages. Cleverly re-using Sara Park’s excellent set, the Mercury Young Company take charge of the main stage and produce absolute joy. Anne Odeki’s adaptation transfers Kenneth Grahame’s classic to modern-day Colchester and loses none of the spirit of the original, yet gives ample opportunity for some memorable set pieces.
I’m going to be honest: the troupe of Disco Ducks stole the show for me. Having survived the original disco fever of the 1970s, I never thought I’d hear Disco Duck again, but it’s been brought to life wonderfully by this group of funky feathers. Add to that a wonderfully busy team of ant cleaners, a terrific set of Wild Weasels, and the stage bursts with movement, colour and excitement. But that’s not to ignore the original plot. Mole, Ratty, Badger and the naughty Mr Toad are all brought wonderfully to life, each actor making the character clear and recognisable. Diction was a bit quiet at times on opening night, but these young people are here to learn, and they will certainly gain in confidence during the run.
Director Sian Burford-Thomas and her talented team of assistants have done a wonderful job of creating this piece, and it’s not until the curtain call that you realise how many young people are involved. The sheer amount of them is inspiring and gives hope for the future of theatre. In the programme notes, not one participant is named against a character, and that feels right as they work as a true ensemble. From the smallest ant cleaner to the most villainous weasel, they are all stars.
