A FAMILY favourite will soon be on Hexham's stage.
The Wind in the Willows will premiere in Hexham.
Adapted by award-winning playwright Mike Kenny and directed by Alnwick Playhouse artistic director Damian Cruden, The Wind in the Willows will run at the Queen's Hall from December 10 to December 31.
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This new production combines the joy and mystery of Kenneth Grahame's much-loved classic with the lightness of touch and playful theatricality playwright Mike Kenny is known for.
Music is by Christopher Madin, the acclaimed composer for stage and screen. The journey through the seasons to the great battle for Toad Hall is suitable for all ages.
Damien Cruden said: "It's great to be working alongside the Queen's Hall and The Alnwick Garden to create this fantastic new version of The Wind in the Willows. Drawing on the creativity of the region, a young people's company of hedgehogs, weasels and stoats will help us to create a memorable trip to the theatre for the whole family."
For the first time, there was an open call for local young people to perform in the main stage Christmas show. An ensemble of 24 young people will perform alongside the professional cast, supported by Queen's Hall Arts youth theatre director Susan Betts.
Katy Taylor, artistic director and chief executive of Queen's Hall Arts, said: "We're delighted to welcome families to the Queen's Hall this Christmas with a fantastic festive show for the whole family. And we're particularly excited to showcase the talents of local young people on our stage alongside a professional cast of actor-musicians, we can't wait to share this show with audiences."
Stefanie Todd's son Archie is in the show. She said: "Archie has been so excited to get this opportunity to work alongside professional actors and be a part of such an exciting show. Not only that, but he is delighted that his friends and family can see him perform at the Queen's Hall where he has watched shows in the past.
"This is such an amazing experience for the kids to gain confidence, to work alongside other children from different schools, to meet the professional choreographers, directors, actors etc and experience the bright lights. I'm so excited to see them perform - I will be one proud mum."
Tickets start from £16.50.
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