This summer, one of Melbourne’s most beloved family traditions will celebrate a remarkable milestone when The Australian Shakespeare Company’s The Wind in the Willows marks its 40th anniversary at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Created by Australian Shakespeare Company founder and Artistic Director Glenn Elston OAM in 1987, The Wind in the Willows has become one of Australia’s longest-running outdoor theatre productions, having played to more than a million people across Australia and introduced generations of children to the magic of live theatre.
Staged against the natural backdrop of the Royal Botanic Gardens and running from 18 December 2026 – 24 January 2027, the much-loved production brings Kenneth Grahame’s unforgettable characters Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly and the irrepressible Mr Toad back to life for another summer of adventure, music, laughter and outdoor theatre.
Glenn Elston said:
“40 years is an extraordinary milestone. When we first performed The Wind in the Willows in 1987, we could never have imagined that it would still be bringing families together four decades later.
We have audiences who came as children who are now bringing their own children, and even their grandchildren. That’s what makes this production so special, and I feel incredibly lucky that we’ve been able to share it with generations of Australians.”
Based on the much-loved 1908 children’s novel, The Wind in the Willows is full of mischief, adventure and surprises. Young audience members become honorary “rabbits”, joining the Head Chief Rabbit to sing along, shout out and get involved in the action as Ratty, Mole and their friends set off on their adventures.
It’s an energetic, interactive experience where children aren’t just watching the story unfold, they’re part of it, with plenty of playful moments for the whole family and a few cheeky surprises just for the grown-ups.
The experience begins before the curtain rises. Audience members are encouraged to arrive early, bring picnic blankets, favourite snacks and drinks to enjoy a relaxed, picnic-style event.
The performance will then move between various scenic spots within the gardens, making it an adventure for the whole family and a unique way to experience theatre under the Melbourne skies.
More information and tickets via shakespeareaustralia.com.au
/image
