The Wind in the Willows is hitting the stage and already making history

Originally set to open this year, The Wind in the Willows stage show premiere has now been set for October 2016. What’s interesting about this theatrical production is that it’s been significantly funded by the general public instead of just a few larger private investors.

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With over £1 million raised via crowdfunding and a further £6.5 million from the usual theatre investors, The Wind in the Willows has reportedly raised more money through crowdfunding than any other stage production, writes British Theatre.

But the way the show has raised finance isn’t the only thing that’s special about it — we’re pretty certain the actual performance itself will be amazing to watch too.

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Kenneth Grahame’s novel will be adapted for the stage by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and an award-winning team from last season’s The Wizard of Oz, so it’s sure to be a major crowd draw.

Throw in the fact that The Wind in the Willows is one of the most beloved books of all time, and it’s sure to be a winner.

The acclaimed musical Mary Poppins, which ran for six years on Broadway and three years in the West End, was produced by the same team of Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and was described by Fellowes as a “high point” in all their careers, according to Jamie Hendry Productions.

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The writer also waxed lyrical about the upcoming production, saying, “I could not be more pleased to have been working on this new production of The Wind in the Willows, which has been a favourite of mine literally all my life. It has been a real privilege to be part of the team re-imagining it for the musical stage”.

Julian Fellowes’ The Wind in the Willowsmusical adaptation will open at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth on Oct. 8, 2016, and then hop over to Salford’s The Lowry theatre on Oct. 26, before finally moving to London’s West End (date TBC).

Will you be heading to the theatre to watch The Wind in the Willows? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.