The classic adventures of an unlikely group of riverside creatures will be brought to life by a local theatre group next week.

The Service Players will bring their version of the Wind In The Willows to the Gaiety Theatre, between Thursday and Saturday, November 5 to 7, from 7.30pm each night, along with a matinee at 2pm, also on the Sunday.

The play is based on Alan Bennett’s adaption of the much-loved classic children’s adventure, written by Kenneth Grahame.

The highly familiar characters of Ratty, Badger, Mole and the excitable Toad of Toad Hall will all feature alongside a host of other woodland and riverside creatures.

The story follows the adventures of Mole, played by Gemma Varnom, who grows tired of his relentless spring-cleaning.

He meets up with his friend, Ratty, played by Simon Fletcher, and together they discover the excitement of the river and the Wild Wood, where they meet up with Badger, performed by John Snelling.

However, it isn’t long before the gregarious, fun-loving and care-free Toad, brought to life by Chris Caine, comes roaring into their lives at the wheel of a speeding motor car.

Soon the four friends are locked in a battle to save Toad Hall.

Also joining the cast on stage are Toby Smith and Bob Whitcher as a pair of crooked weasels, Lisa Kreisky as an otter and Howard Caine as Fox, the used car salesman, amongst many others.

Alan Bennett adapted the tale for the stage in 1991, even taking on the role of the Mole himself for the opening run of shows, and his version won praise for faithfully sticking to the classic tale while interjecting his own brand of sly wit into the familiar story.

The play is directed by Service Player’s chairman Robin Higgins.

’It’s a pleasure to direct this talented group of actors, bringing a classic tale to life, with a contemporary twist,’ said Robin.

’The story is full of warmth and humour and I know that audiences of all ages will thoroughly enjoy it.’

Tickets for the ’The Wind in the Willows’ are £17.50, with concessions and under 16s £12.50, available from the Welcome Centre or the Villa Gaiety Box Office, on 600555, or online from villagaiety.com