Oddsocks to tackle Grahame’s classic

The Oddsocks gang return for a production of the family favourite The Wind In The Willows at Derby’s Guildhall Theatre from January 27-31.
The Wind In The Willows, as performed by OddsocksThe Wind In The Willows, as performed by Oddsocks
The Wind In The Willows, as performed by Oddsocks

Oddsocks are bringing the Kenneth Grahame classic firmly to life in their own inimitable way this winter and audiences will be pleased to know that appearing in the production are some familiar Oddsocks actors.

Andy McGillan has been part of the Oddsocks cast for eight years now and has become as well-loved as a favourite teddy amongst fans of this unique, professional touring theatre company.

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He even has catchphrases all of his own which are sure to crop up again this winter as he dons a set of driving goggles and literally throws himself into the character of Toad.

Joseph Maudsley is fast catching up with Andy in the race to become the most capped Oddsocker.

As well as appearing with the company this summer and in previous summer performances in the open air, Joseph played Dr Livesey in Treasure Island last winter and Little John the year before in The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Joseph has been researching all things rodent in order to play Ratty in this year’s production.

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Returning along with these two popular actors is Dom Gee-Burch, who has appeared in the last four Oddsocks shows. He’ll be bringing Badger to life in this one after appearing as Lord Farquaad in Shrek The Musical at the Gaiety Theatre, Isle of Man.

It’s not all new faces of course, it is always important to bring someone new to the meet the audiences. Appearing with the regular bunch is actress Rosamund Hine, hotfoot from an international tour of What The Ladybird Heard, based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson.

To cap it all, Oddsocks founder and producer Elli Mackenzie, who last appeared on stage in the company’s “live TV” version of The Merry Wives of Windsor (who could forget the famous washing machine scene?), is returning to play Mole.

Elli and her husband, Andy Barrow, who appeared as Long John Silver in last winter’s Treasure Island, formed Oddsocks Productions 25 years ago and have appeared on stage in over 30 of the productions the company has toured with since then.

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The Wind in the Willows will be performed at the Guildhall Theatre from Tuesday, January 27 to Saturday, January 31. Tickets are priced at £13.50-£17.50 and can be purchased through the Derby LIVE box office on 01332 255800 or online at www.derbylive.co.uk

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