Wind in the Willows in the Sydney Botanic Gardens is a magical adventure – for children and adults alike
If you are looking for the perfect introduction to theatre for your children – and something rather unique to do with them these school holidays – then Wind in the Willows in the Sydney Botanic Gardens is what you’re after.
The gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale about the adventures of Toad, Ratty, Mole and friends, performed brilliantly by the Australian Shakespeare Company.
Marianne Bragg has directed the production for all of its 24 years in the ‘stunning’ gardens, and says the ‘picturesque environment’ for the family-oriented show was one of the reasons she has kept returning.
“Part of the charm of doing it in the gardens is a lot of the families and people that come to the show haven’t been (there) in a long time. And they realise what an amazing part of Sydney it is.
“I love working there.”
The first part of the show is by the pond under a beautiful old shady tree, with Ratty helping himself to everyone’s picnics. The actors move around the audience in their fabulous costumes, delighting the children with their quirky mannerisms. Chief Rabbit is a real highlight, as the character who pulls all the threads together and is a real pied piper for the children, who adore the huge ears and smart white waistcoat.
After the first half, Chief Rabbit invites everyone to pack up their belongings and visit ‘Toad Hall,’ where the second part of the story evolves. The audience sits on a little hill so the views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour are absolutely stunning.
The joy of this production is that the audience is so close to the artists who really involve the audience – including the adults!
As the show concludes the children get to go on a short search for the missing otter in the ‘wild wood,’ a perfect adventure through the gardens without mum and dad!
It’s such a fun 90 minutes of entertainment. There are not many live theatre productions where the artists throw food around, you can hear a Badger singing Taylor Swift, and see a Toad floating down the pond on a bright pink swan pool toy. Children are encouraged to interact, and are never told to be quiet!
Lest adults think they will just be scrolling on their phones, Marianne says there is plenty to entertain them, with actors who have ‘amazing voices’ performing many songs, including their own takes on artists of the day. “Badger might push out a little bit of ACDC doing Back in Black,” Marianne explains. “Whereas Mole might sing a bit of Sabrina. It’s little things like that that we try. And we bring in some contemporary jokes to keep it fresh, also so the audience really gets a sense of the story, but also a sense that it’s placed into a contemporary context.”
There are plenty of jokes for the adults – without compromising family values – which Marianne says helps get them engaged. “We pretty much do what I would class as a comedy routine at the top, where it really does invite the adults to not read a book.
“And I think it’s the music in particular that really will get people’s ears pricked up and they (realise) it’s not just for kids.” Expect some surprises this season!
Families are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, food and drinks (alcohol is allowed!) – and be prepared for the weather as it goes ahead even in light rain (pack plenty of sunscreen, hats and umbrellas!). There is no seating provided, and while chairs are allowed, they will need to be positioned at the back so all the little ones can see.
Enjoy a wonderful day out with the family.
Wind in the Willows
Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney Enter via any gate and continue to harbour side of the Main Pond 7 to 25 January 2026 – morning and evening shows on selected days From $25 ($90 for families mid-week) Tickets: willowslive.com.au or tickets.shakespeareaustralia.com Phone: 9011 7704