Quick Peeks

Lisa Devaney

Would, Kenneth Grahame, the author of The Wind in the Willows be delighted or disgusted to know that his fairy tale classic for children has had a makeover? His four main anthropomorphised animal characters Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole will be played by a cast of entertaining women who are hell bent on making their own version of the tale rock.

The Wind in the Willows DVD

My company the Hai Media Group  has produced and cast a new cabaret show that takes inspiration from the lazy days of life along the river in the very English countryside adventure story. I’m playing Toad of Toad Hall and will present this magical story, that evokes the best of pastoral English settings for summer, to quote the book:

"Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." –The Wind in the Willows

oOOo Who’s Who in the Cast?

• Toad played by me, Lisa Devaney
  

  

  GreenGuide-AGE
  

  

  Toad of Toad Hall
• Badger played by Mary Epworth, lead singer with her Jubliee Band, on the Hand of Glory record label
• Mole played by Cheyne Pride, a country rock singer
• Ratty played by Lucy Lowe
  
• Weasel, played by Ali Rawlings, aka Punk Rock Dolly

We are merrily on our way to The Secret Garden Party, bringing a cast of colourful, loveable, characters who will treat guests to a scrumptious feast of sight and sound at none other than that magical childhood place Toad Hall. Greeting weary travellers who come from far and wide across this great green land of Britain, and beyond, will be our joyful celebration, of dancing, and a spectacular banquet table, in a place to revel.

We’ll debut our all-female revue of The Wind in the Willows at The Secret Garden Party, arts and music festival this week, where Grace Jones is the headline act. Our show is among a talented line-up of music acts that will be part of the ‘Come and Play’ area of the festival – a collection of tents that invite guests to play with arcade games, or interact with the performances happening around them.         

Grace Jones:

I've seen that face before...

"The Mole was bewitched, entranced, fascinated. By the side of the river he trotted as one trots, when very small, by the side of a man who holds one spell-bound by exciting stories; and when tired at last, he sat on the bank, while the river still chattered on to him, a babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea." –The Wind in the Willows

Banquet Feast at Toad Hall

Spread before our guest's eyes will be a dining table, gigantic banquet table, as only would suit Toad of Toad Hall to entertain, along with his friends, all evoking the magical memories of childhood favourite tale The Wind in the Willows. White table cloth, OTT décor and upon this marvellous display, unexpected delights – of poetry reading, dancing and comedy skits, played out spontaneously, between sets of live music.

If you are planning to attend The Secret Garden Party, please plan to see our performance – scheduled for 8 PM, this Thursday, July 24^th, at the ‘Come and Play’ area. We’ll plan to keep in character and costume for the night, so stop by after setting up your campsite and dive deep into this festival’s creative spirit, and come play with us.

"Animals arrived, liked the look of the place, took up their quarters, settled down, spread, and flourished. They didn't bother themselves about the past--they never do; they're too busy." –The Wind in the Willows

 

Here’s the night’s line-up:

19:00 hrs - 19:30 hrs           Simon Harris aka DJ Bomber
19:30 hrs - 20:25 hrs           The Ratfinks
20:30 hrs - 20:50 hrs           The Wind in the Willows by Hai Media Group
20:50 hrs - 21:45 hrs           Kid Id
22:00 hrs - 23:00 hrs          The Fontanas  
23:00 hrs - 00:00 hrs           DJ Bomber/ I Heart What?
00:00 hrs - 01:00 hrs           Chin Supressor
01:00 hrs - 02:00 hrs           Symmetrik

‘Come and Play’ is an exciting new festival venue, which has been put together by the team responsible for bringing Eco-Arcadia to events throughout the UK for the last 5 years. Join in the welcoming feast of the festival, or just sit back, relax and unwind after your travels, to watch the silly, festive antics unfold, enjoy the music, and dine! Dine! Dine! Upon festival delights.

'Come & Play' Area

The only question is – are you a Rabbit or a Weasel? Pick one or the other, and join us! Whiskers and bunny ears will be supplied, or bring your own to be a participant in our version of The Wind in the Willows.

"It's never the wrong time to call on Toad. Early or late he's always the same fellow. Always good-tempered, always glad to see you, always sorry when you go!" -The Wind in the Willows

Many thanks to Kate Risker, aka the fabulous Miss Risk, who invited Hai Media Group to present this performance at The Secret Garden Party.

A proud & stupid Toad am I,

-Lisa