Catch a ferry and join in on all the fun with Wind in the Willows at the Royal Botanic Gardens
BY ALEX DRISCOLL
Come along this summer and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly and Mr Toad as they perform Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney.
Produced by the Australian Shakespeare Company, the critically acclaimed theatre production is one of Australia’s best-known family shows that includes plenty of songs, laughs and surprises for young and old. It also happens to be celebrating over 22 years in the beautiful gardens.
It’s a great production to introduce children to live theatre, as it is performed in the open in a welcoming atmosphere for all. 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!
The wonderful part of this event is that it is actually a huge picnic, with patrons encouraged to bring food, drinks (even alcohol for the adults!) and blankets. Those on chairs are asked to please sit at the back. Patrons are also advised to bring wet weather gear as the show will go on unless there is a drenching.
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 music is live and original and there are a few jokes to keep the adults entertained too.
For the second part of the show, the Chief White Rabbit takes all the children over to Toad Hall, underneath a giant jacaranda, where you will get an incredible view of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. At the end, the children also get to look for missing Otter in the ‘wild wood,’ with adults encouraged to sit back and let the performers lead their children astray – in a safe way!
For those on the North Shore looking to get to the production, ferries from both Kirribilli, McMahons Point and Milsons Point will take you to Circular Quay. From there it is only a 10-minute walk to the main pond where the show will take place. Follow the signs!
Many in the audience come to the show every year, and it is a wonderful adventure for grandparents and grandchildren to share.
WIND IN THE WILLOWS
4 to 25 January
Tickets: willowslive.com.au or Ticketmaster; phone 9011 7704. Tickets can also be purchased on-site within one hour of the show starting (if available)
Price: $30 each, or $110 for a family