THE cast and crew of a new adaptation of a children’s classic are preparing to perform in York.

Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind In The Willows will be brought to life by York Theatre Royal’s Artistic Director, Damian Cruden, four years after a sell-out run at the venue, with new aspects including the Wild Wood Challenge, giving children lessons in craft and storytelling.

This year’s cast include Martin Barrass as Mr Toad and Jonathan Race as Ratty, with rehearsals starting this month, and York Theatre Royal to be transformed into a grassy woodland space for families.

Damian said: “It’s great to be going back to the wild wood and Toad Hall again this summer. This is such a fantastic adaptation by Mike Kenny as it captures the true depth of Grahame’s original.

“There’s lots of fun and beauty to be found in this production and I’m looking forward to working with some old friends and some new young wild-wooders who’ll be giving Mr Toad a run for his money.

“Chris Main’s music is enchanting and the designers have come up with some fantastic new ideas for the space.”

The show runs from Thursday July 31, to Saturday August 30. Tickets and more information are available at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or from the box office on 01904 623568.