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The Wind in the Willows by Todd Espeland play script cover

The Wind in the Willows

adapted by Todd Espeland from Kenneth Grahame

This is a lively and theatrical adaptation of a wonderful classic. Mole just wants to make friends, Rat just wants to hang by the river, and Toad just wants everything to go zooooooooom. None of that prepares our friends for the fight to save Toad Hall from Fox and his wicked weasels.

Join them in this in this character-driven thrilling adventure through the Wild Wood and out into the Wide World!

Gender flexible. Easy to stage. Excellent ensemble and tech student opportunities.

Comedy Adventure Classical Adaptation

Recommended for High Schools and Middle Schools

At a Glance

Running Time
About 70 minutes
Approximate; excludes intermissions and scene changes
Cast
19 Characters
3 F 16 Any Gender
Set
Simple set
Length
61 pages
Free Excerpt
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Performance Royalty Fees

Royalty fees apply to all performances whether or not admission is charged. Any performance in front of an audience (e.g. an invited dress rehearsal) is considered a performance for royalty purposes.

Exemption details for scenes and monologues for competition.

19 Characters

  • 3 Females
  • 16 Any Gender

Please see the playwright’s notes in the script for details on gender and casting flexibility.

  • TOAD Any gender 138 lines
    Loud, obnoxious and full of self-importance. Will lie and put on a ‘show’ if it means Toad doesn’t have to do any work.
  • FOX Any gender 64 lines
    Can be sly and sneaky or tough as nails. Suckers their victims in by acting nice.
  • MOLE Any gender 125 lines
    Innocent and eager. Is amazed by the big wonderful world.
  • WEASELS Any gender 5 lines
    All the Weasels kiss up to Fox and are extra mean to their victims. They can put on an act to sucker their victims.
  • RAT Any gender 119 lines
    Down to earth, grounded, sensible. Looks out for Mole like a parent.
  • OTTER Any gender 15 lines
    Overly friendly and eager. Speaks their mind.
  • BADGER Any gender 34 lines
    Bold, commanding and imposing. Of the four friends Badger is the real leader.
  • HORSE Any gender 22 lines
    Stubborn and hard to convince.
  • RABBIT Any gender 3 lines
    Excited and scared
  • HEDGEHOG 1 Any gender 1 line
    Innocent and loves to tease Hedgehog 2
  • HEDGEHOG 2 Any gender 16 lines
    Innocent and hates being teased by Hedgehog 1
  • JUDGE Any gender 10 lines
    Stuffy and stern
  • POLICE Any gender 19 lines
  • LAW CLERK Any gender 6 lines
    A bold by-the-book lawyer.
  • JAILER Any gender 4 lines
    Hates Toad.
  • JAILER’S DAUGHTER Female 24 lines
    Tries to be sweet to Toad but eventually loses patience and is prone to yell at him.
  • WASHER WOMAN Female 7 lines
    Bold and brash and hates Toad
  • TRAIN CLERK Any gender 4 lines
    Bored by their job. Customers are a problem for the Clerk.
  • TRAIN CONDUCTOR Any gender 14 lines
    Kind and clever. Always wants to help.
  • BARGE WOMAN Female 10 lines
    Smart and doesn’t fall for Toad’s lies.

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From the Drama Teacher Learning Centre

Playwright Spotlights

Playwright Spotlight: Get to Know Todd Espeland

Welcome to "Playwright Spotlight" — your exclusive backstage pass to the creative minds crafting the incredible plays featured in our Theatrefolk catalogue. Discover the magic, quirks, and genius...
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