A SPECIAL cross-generational show has been created by theatre company Talking Scarlet.

It affords an opportunity for adults who loved this story as a child the chance to evoke it again for their children.

Uncluttered and neat, the performers drive this show by focusing their energy on traditional musical theatre techniques.

Whether it’s the bumbling irascible Toad (Dave Benson-Phillips), austere yet endearing Badger (Marcus Hutton), or the inspiringly cast female Rat (Mona Goodwin), their clarity and purpose keep the narrative tripping along.

Some double casting was successful – especially when reinforced by changes in costume – but some was too subtle for younger children, who found a blur of goodies and baddies confusing.

The costume design for the principle characters echoes a traditional approach to classic textures and sumptuous colour schemes.

The set looks intriguing although it fails to live up to its promise since the action takes place around it rather than with it, and the lighting lacks attention to detail.

On the whole, though, this is an enjoyable show, gently paced and peppered with original songs, making it engaging for all ages.