Literary classic comes to life

 

Debi Walters has been entranced with The Wind in the Willows since she saw it on the stage as a very young girl. Walters, who teaches drama at Otamatea High School, jumped at the chance to play the role of Lady Weasel in the Otamatea Repertory Theatre production.

Walters is also a talented face painter and her skills have been put to good use – helping to transform the cast into animal characters.

Joining her, as the wise Badger, is fellow teacher Alister Williams – well-known throughout Northland for his talents in all things theatrical.

Williams (pictured with Debi Walters above) works at Tauraroa Area School, and has an impressive list of acting and directing credits to his name.

‘The Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame is hailed as one of the classic greats of children’s literature.

With its themes of friendship and loyalty, the gentle and whimsical story features the well-loved characters of Ratty, Badger, Toad and Mole.
Originating from a series of bedtime stories that Grahame told his son, Alastair, the book has been translated into several different languages.

Mike Carter’s delightful adaptation recreates the simple charm and magic of this timeless story, first staged in the UK at Christmas in 1985 where it broke all previous box office records for a Christmas show.

Tickets are on sale at Tony’s Lotto Shop in Maungaturoto or online at www.ort.org.nz.

The show runs for two weekends from November 21-30 at the theatre in Bickerstaffe Rd, Maungaturoto.