THE Wind In The Willows holds a special place in my childhood, so naturally it was with some trepidation I took my seat for Oddsocks’ rendition, but I needn’t have worried.

Derbyshire company Oddsocks have been taking classic texts and turning them into family-friendly, feelgood shows for 25 years and have gathered a Yorkshire following in the process. Produced by co-founder Elli Mackenzie – who played Mole – their latest performance sees them intertwine dialogue from the much-loved riverbank classic, with farce, innuendo and original compositions, all brought to life with much energy by a cast of five.

Each actor was clearly giving their all to their performance, and all were exceedingly talented, switching from well-timed comedy to folksy musical numbers seamlessly. Not bad for only 18 days of rehearsal under directors Andy Barrow and Hope Ward-Brown.

A special mention must go to Andrew McGillian, who played the conceited and manipulative Toad with such gusto it felt as if his excellent moustache might leave his face at any second.

The play was almost wholly true to the book, and here came the one disappointment. Towards the end there came a shoe-horned political message which, while admirable, seemed somewhat at odds with the rest of Barrow’s stage adaptation.

The Wind In The Willows is a fantastic novel, and while I can understand updating some parts, it does not need the addition of contemporary politics to make it relevant.

Review by Sam Walsh