ACTORS from York Theatre Royal's production of The Wind In The Willows brought out their inner child during a visit to the Creepy Crawlies Web Adventure Park in York.

Cast members Martin Barrass (Mr Toad), Robin Simpson (Mole), Jonathan Race (Ratty), Jacky Naylor (Mrs Badger) and Michael Lambourne (Chief Weasel) slid down the slides, went on the giant swings and pedalled go-karts during their visit to the adventure park off Wigginton Road.

Kenneth Grahame’s story has been brought back to life by the theatre artistic director, Damian Cruden. After a sold-out run in 2010, this classic children’s tale has returned in a new version and with a pre-show experience for young audience members.

The theatre's foyer has been transformed into a grassy woodland space for the production. Audiences are invited to arrive early so they can go on stage and backstage to explore Toad Hall and creep into Badger’s house.

Children and adults alike can take the Wild Wood Challenge and become a Wild Wooder, learning how to make something from nothing, how to spin a good yarn and how to repel a weasel attack.

"If you prove yourself worthy you’ll join our merry band of Wild Wooders, unless you’re a badger of course, then you’ll be in the miserable band," says communications manager Chloe Hampson.

The adaptation of Grahame's novel was by York playwright Mike Kenny, one of England’s leading writers, specialising in theatre for young people and families.

• The production runs at York Theatre Royal until August  30. For tickets phone 01904 623568