THE ADVENTURES OF MR. TOAD a Musical in two Acts based on The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Music, book and lyrics by Piers Chater-Robinson First performed at the Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke in December 1984, and subsequently at the Theatre Royal, Winchester in January 1985 and at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London in December 1986/January 1987. A fun-filled musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows" which relates the fall and rise of the impulsive Mr. Toad through a series of daring adventures. The invaluable support of his riverside chums helps to bring about a joyous conclusion. This delightful show is ideal Christmas and holiday fare STORY Act 1 On a glorious Spring morning on the Riverbank the Riverside animals are playing happily when, suddenly, Mole appears from under the ground (HANG SPRING CLEANING). Rat introduces himself and sings of the wonders of river life (MESSING ABOUT). They decide to spend the day together and commence their picnic. Badger arrives, complaining about Toad's latest craze. He then sets off to Toad Hall with the intention of sorting out Toad once and for all. Toad appears (INTRODUCING MR. TOAD) and invites Rat and Mole to go caravanning with him (LET'S JUMP ABOARD). They pack away the picnic and set off in the caravan. The action moves to the Wild Wood, where the wicked Weasels, led by the evil Chief Weasel, are performing their tribal dance (WEASELS REIGN). In the distance is heard the sound of the caravan, which is then forced into a ditch by an approaching car. The Weasels, delighted by the accident, disperse as the panicstricken horse charges onstage. Rat, Mole and Toad arrive. Rat suggests that the cart should be mended but Toad is in the grip of a new craze: he now wants a motor car! Rat takes Toad off to look for the Wheelwright but Mole, left on his own, is frightened by the weird shapes of the Wild Wood. The voices of the Wildwooders lure him into the wood, but Rat arrives just in time to rescue him from the clutches of the Chief Weasel. They decide to take shelter and, by chance, find Badger's house where they stay for the next few weeks. Meanwhile, at Toad Hall Toad is pursuing his latest craze (MR. TOAD). He takes delivery of a new motor car but, as usual, manages to wreck it. After breakfast at Badger's house (BREAKFAST) Mole, Rat and Badger decide that the time has come to take Toad in hand (A DUTY TO PERFORM). On arrival at Toad Hall, while Badger takes Toad inside for a lecture, Rat remembers life on the river (DUCKS' DITTY). The animals lock Toad in his bedroom and take it in turns to guard him until he agrees to give up motor cars. However, Toad feigns illness and escapes through the window to find a new vehicle (MR. TOAD - REPRISE). Act II In the Court Room Toad is in the dock accused of stealing a motor car and, worse still, of cheeking the police. The verdict is a foregone conclusion: Toad is found guilty by the Lady Magistrate who seems more concerned with her knitting than justice. They all gloat over Toad's twenty year sentence (GOODBYE TOAD) and the hapless Toad is taken off to jail. In jail some months later Rosy, the jailer's daughter, brings Toad his breakfast. At her prompting Toad tells of his magnificent mansion (TOAD HALL). Rosy takes pity on him and helps him to escape disguised in the clothes of her aunt, the Washerwoman. Back on the Riverbank the Riverside animals are playing as usual (MESSING ABOUT - REPRISE). To Rat's amazement Toad arrives bedraggled after the adventures of his escape. He goes off to change. Mole and Badger arrive, lamenting that Toad Hall, which has been occupied by the Weasels, is so closely guarded that they cannot find a way in. They are amazed to hear of Toad's escape. Toad returns and is shattered to hear of the loss of his beloved Toad Hall. Badger however reveals
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