Wind In The Willows The

Synopsis

A new adaptation by Oscar-nominated writer of Billy Elliot Lee Hall Starring Matt Lucas, Mark Gatiss, Lee Ingleby and Bob Hoskins Set amid glorious English countryside, The Wind in the Willows tells the timeless story of the adventures of four animal friends. Based upon the much loved novel by Kenneth Grahame, this lavish new adaptation by Lee Hall (Oscar-nominated for Billy Elliot) features a star-studded cast including Bob Hoskins, Matt Lucas and Imelda Staunton. It's springtime and curious Mole (Lee Ingleby), bored of housework, leaves his mole-hill to explore. At the riverbank he meets Ratty (Mark Gatiss), a laid back water rat. The two quickly become firm friends and soon Ratty introduces Mole to the exuberant Toad (Matt Lucas), a creature with a penchant for extravagant hobbies. When Toad becomes obsessed with motor cars, his increasingly wild driving causes concern for Ratty and Mole, and they enlist the help of wise Badger (Bob Hoskins). Together they reprimand Toad, locking him in his bedroom at Toad Hall. Toad escapes, but his theft of a car lands him in court and he is sent to gaol. Toad is in luck, though, when the gaolers daughter (Anna Maxwell Martin) takes pity on him and helps him to escape. He evades the police in a thrilling railway chase, then stumbles upon a barge woman (Imelda Staunton) who lets him hitch a ride. Toad rejoins Ratty and Mole and is horrified to discover Toad Hall has become overrun by stoats and weasels. Back at Badgers house, the four friends hatch a plan to regain control of the Hall. A terrific battle ensues, but with the help of Moles new found courage, the foursome triumph. Toad MATT LUCAS Rat MARK GATISS Mole LEE INGLEBY Badger BOB HOSKINS The Engine Driver JIM CARTER The Barge Woman IMELDA STAUNTON The Gaolers Daughter ANNA MAXWELL MARTIN The Washer Woman MARY WALSH The Judge MICHAEL MURPHY Producer GUB NEAL Director RACHEL TALALAY 2006 Box TV (Production) Ltd.n