YORK and Easingwold company Gobbledigook Theatre are to perform a new outdoor adaptation of The Wind In The Willows on the banks of the River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey from Saturday to August 7.

Kenneth Grahame's enchanting tale of adventure and mischief is directed by Phil Grainger, who runs Gobbledigook, and it forms the first production in his year-long artistic residency at the Bolton Abbey Estate, near Skipton.

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David Jarman as Badger. Picture: Tim Youster

The show, written especially for Bolton Abbey by cast member David Jarman, is set against the backdrop of Bolton Priory Church and ruins in the first bespoke open-air theatrical event ever to be held on the North Yorkshire estate.

“So much of the novel is about nature and so Bolton Abbey Estate couldn’t be a more perfect setting for the story," says Phil, who has signed a five-year deal for Gobbledigook to present summertime shows there. "It’s an absolute dream to stage the production in such a beautiful place and one which could have been the original setting for the novel.

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Cecily Nash as Moley. Pictire: Tim Youster

“The production is a new adaptation of the novel and it stays true to the book but with a re-imagined timeline. We'll bring the story to life with real props, including a classic car and a rowing boat, as well interesting locations to make the experience extra special for our audience, who'll also be part of the scenery and action. Expect a few surprises from the moment you arrive.”

As an "immersive theatre experience", Grainger's production has no stage and visitors are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs. "They should also be prepared to move around as the performance is delivered," he says.

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Andrew Caley as Ratty. Picture: Tim Yoster

The cast will be led by York actor John Holt Roberts as Toad, while Alexander Flanagan Wright, more often to be found directing Stillington company The Flanagan Collective or writing plays, will play Chief Weasel. Andrew Caley will be Ratty, David Jarman, Badger, and Cecily Nash, Moley, having taken over the role from costume designer Tabitha Grove, who has applied successfully for an apprenticeship in the BBC costume department.

Last year, Grainger directed the Easingwold On Our Turf community production of Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland, a promenade performance in which Holt Roberts starred as The Hatter and again Jarman scripted the adaptation.

Please note, tickets for The Wind In The Willows must be pre-booked and the entry price includes admission to the estate for the day at £17.50 for adults; £12 for children aged three and over; £50 for a family (two adults and two children), online at boltonabbey.com. The two-hour performances start at 1.30pm and 6.30pm on various dates between Saturday and August 7; make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start.

Did you know?

Alexander Flanagan Wright, who plays Chief Weasel in The Wind In The Willows, is in rehearsal for The Flanagan Collective's latest project, an August and September tour of his new adaptation of the Orpheus myth.