Toad of Toad Hall facts for kids
Toad of Toad Hall is a fun play for the stage. It was written by A. A. Milne, who also created Winnie-the-Pooh. This play is based on the famous book The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. It was the first time this beloved story was turned into a play. It also features special music by Harold Fraser-Simson. The play first opened in London on December 17, 1929, at the Lyric Theatre, London.
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Why the Play Was Made
A. A. Milne really loved Kenneth Grahame's book, The Wind in the Willows. He decided to turn parts of it into a play. Milne chose the adventures of Mr. Toad because they were exciting and easy to show on a stage. Mr. Toad's story makes up about half of the original book.
Characters, Story, and Music
The play has four main animal friends as characters. They are Rat, Badger, Mole, and of course, Toad. The story follows Mr. Toad's exciting adventures. You will see his famous caravan trip and his car crashes. The play also shows when he goes to prison and then escapes. Later, his friends help him fight against the weasels and stoats. They work together to get Toad Hall back. Even though it is not a musical, the play includes six songs. Harold Fraser-Simson wrote the music for these songs.
Actors Who Played Toad
Over the years, many actors have played the part of Mr. Toad. They have appeared in plays, films, and TV shows. Here are some of the actors who have brought Mr. Toad to life:
- Terry Jones – He was a director and actor in the 1996 film The Wind in the Willows.
- Eric Blore – He played Toad in a Disney film.
- David Jason – He voiced Toad in the popular 1983 animated film The Wind in the Willows. He also voiced him in the TV series Oh! Mr Toad.
- Rik Mayall – He voiced Toad in a TV animation.
- Leo McKern – He played Toad on stage in London.
- Michael Hordern – He played Toad at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford.
- Hugh Laurie – He voiced Toad in another animated version.
- Matt Lucas – He played Toad in a BBC live-action TV show.
- Alan Reid - He played Toad in a 1947 BBC Television Play.
- Griff Rhys Jones – He played Toad in the West End.
- Other actors who played Toad include Raymond Westwell, Martin Friend, Derek Smith, Ian Talbot, Peter Sowerbutts, Dale Superville, David Philip-Harcombe Boyle, Patrick Wymark, Gerald Campion, James Hayter, Jeremy Geidt, Peter Woodthorpe, Ian Wallace, Michael Graham Cox, Michael Bates, Jeremy Sinden, Nicky Henson, and Michael Williams.
Adaptations for TV and Radio
The play was made into a television movie by the BBC in 1947. It was called Toad of Toad Hall. The play was also produced for radio. It aired on BBC Radio 4 on April 21, 1973, as part of their Saturday Night Theatre.
