Runs until Saturday THIS production from the touring Compass Theatre Company provides great family entertainment that will appeal to all ages.

The classic story of Wind in the Willows is brought to life with some excellent acting and a lovely set.

It's a gentle tale with only one or two frantic moments and the children in the audience were spellbound.

A minor disappointment voiced by my three youngsters was that the actors were not in animal costumes.

But they soon forgot their initial disappointment as the play progressed and their imaginations took over.

Imaginations were cleverly stretched throughout the production as planks of wood doubled as steam trains and imaginary boats floated down the river. But it worked incredibly well .

Star of the show was the brilliant Nick Chadwin who played the part of Toad.

He was definitely the youngsters' favourite. He was funny, had some great facial expressions and the children loved him.

This is the traditional story of Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger told in chapters, each a self-contained little story.

We see Mole and Ratty enjoying a picnic in the sunshine, Toad in jail for his dreadful driving and the battle by the animals to save Toad Hall.

The first night audience loved every minute of this very clever production. It is definitely one not to miss. GAYLE MCBAIN

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