Cast announcement for The Wind in The Willows at Hull Truck Theatre – 2026

Hull Truck Theatre are thrilled to announce the cast for their brand-new adaptation of  the enduring family favourite The Wind in The Willows this Christmas. The production,  proudly supported by Hull Trains, will be on stage in Stage 1 from Friday 27 November 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027. Fast, funny and full of surprises, this  whirlwind adventure is set to captivate audiences of all ages over the festive season.

Featuring brand new music and clever props, costumes and scenery, that have  become a staple of Hull Truck Theatre festive productions, this charming adaptation  by Mark Powell is full of humour and heart! Based on Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved  novel, with music by John Biddle, audiences are invited to join Mole and friends on a  truly epic adventure exploring the riverbank and later trying to save Toad Hall just in  time for Christmas.

Directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Babych, the production will  celebrate the timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, home and belonging.

Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre and Director of The Wind in the  Willows, said:

“There is something wonderfully nostalgic about sharing The Wind in The Willows with the people you love. This production with a sprinkle of festive magic offers a  special opportunity for generations of families to come together, enjoy a wholesome  classic story and make new festive memories in the process. We are incredibly  pleased to be working with Hull Trains again, whose generous continued support is  enabling us to present a unique high-quality musical adaptation right here in Hull. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained!” 

Hull Trains return once again as show sponsor for the seventh year in a row,  supporting the theatre to present another magical live theatre experience. Audiences  can exchange a valid rail ticket for a £1 ice-cream at the interval during their visit. With  a variety of flavours available, including vegan alternatives, this is a great opportunity  to save money and help cut down travel emissions at the same time.

This green travel initiative reflects both Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains’ ongoing  commitment to the local community and pioneering environmentally conscious  practices.

Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said:

“We’re proud to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Hull Truck Theatre  this year as Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad bring some festive magic to the city.

“Supporting the fantastic cultural attractions that make Hull such a special place is  really important to us. We can’t wait to welcome visitors for a wonderful family  adventure, with plenty of laughter, mischief and Christmas cheer.”

The Wind in The Willows will be performed by a company of eight actors who will bring to life the much-loved characters, Mole, Rat Toad, Badger, Otter and other  woodland creatures, to tell this much-loved story. The central character, kind-hearted  and curious Mole will be played by local East Riding of Yorkshire actor, singer and  musician, Jo Patmore. Jo also previously performed at Hull Truck Theatre in 2024,  starring in Rapunzel, then in John Godber’s re-mount of Teechers in 2025.

Recognisable to audiences from previous Christmas shows, such as Oliver Twist (2025) and A Christmas Carol (2023), Andrew Whitehead will return this year to play  the wise and respected, Badger. Andrew also has been seen on Hull Truck Theatre’s stage playing Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors (2024), Around the World In 80  Days (2023) and Toast (2007). Andrew’s TV and film credits include: Coronation  Street, Brassic, The Runaways, Emmerdale and The Big Chance.

Performing his Hull Truck Theatre debut, Paul Carroll will take on the practical, yet  adventurous character of Rat. Theatre credits include: The Forsyte Saga (RSC), Strike!  (Southwark Playhouse); The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Rapture Theatre/Traverse +  tour); Twelfth Night (East London Shakespeare Festival); 40 Shades of Strawberry  Blond (Soho Theatre), and Riverdance (lead singer: international tour), just to name a  few.

Soroosh Lavasani will play the comic and impulsive Toad. Often getting into trouble  due to his obsession with the latest fads, such as motorcars, his character will feature  some of the cleverest costume and prop designs. Graduate of LAMDA (London  Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts), Soroosh has since performed in Animal Farm (UK Tour), Comedy Of Errors/Company Of Rascals (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford),  The Bounds (The Royal Court London and Live Theatre Newcastle), The Kite Runner (Uk tour) and The Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Uk tour).

Otter will be played by Harriet Waters. A graduate from Mountview, Harriet has been  seen performing in Hull in the UK tours of SHEWOLVES (Edinburgh fringe, UK tour),  and The Gruffalo’s Child (The Gruffalo’s Child, UK/ International tour, West End).  Audiences may also recognise Harriet from her TV credits; Scott and Bailey (series 1-5,  ITV), and the hilarious character of Heather in Uncanny (BBC).

Also returning to Hull Truck Theatre are actors, Oliver Mawdsley as Squirrel, Kenneth and Chief Weasel, Beth Crame as Stoat, Joyce and Horse and Robyn McIntyre as  Rabbit, Elsbeth, Weasel and Jessica. Oliver starred as Seymour in Little Shop of  Horrors (UK Tour), Cured, Boys from the Blackstuff, Red or Dead, & Speedo  Mick (Liverpool’s Royal Court), The Comedy of Errors – More or Less (Shakespeare  North Playhouse & SJT), A Christmas Carol & The Great Gatsby (Derby Theatre). Beth  has performed across stage and screen and is thrilled to be back at Hull Truck Theatre  after appearing in Mary and the Hyenas (2025). Robyn is also thrilled to be back in Hull  again after last year’s Oliver Twist. Also remembered for playing Phyllis in Hull Truck Theatre’s 2021 production of The Railway Children; other theatre credits include: Brass (Leeds City Varieties), Brass (Hackney Empire), Fiddler on the Roof Directed by Sir  Trevor Nunn (The Playhouse), and Identical the Musical Workshop Directed by Sir  Trevor Nunn (The Dominion). Robyn was awarded ‘Highlight performance in a short  film’ at the UK Film Awards 2025 alongside Stephen Fry and Siobhan Finneran. 

A talented Young Company of twenty actors will join the production as an ensemble of  Wild Wooders and woodland creatures, bringing additional energy, imagination and  excitement to the world of The Wind in The Willows. Their involvement has been made  possible through the generous support of the I AM Fund.

The Wind in The Willows plays at Hull Truck Theatre Friday 27 November 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027. Tickets are available here.