Orphaned and penniless Kenneth Grahame becomes a reluctant adult who releases his pent up passions publishing adventures of carefree children in a golden, more innocent age. He convinces himself that Elspeth, a chirpy, neurotic spinster, shares his whimsical view of life, but their early passion soon dissipates and they are left with only one thing in common - their son – who is not only precocious, but insecure and physically handicapped. While Grahame entertains his child with stories that will become the beloved Wind in the Willows, both parents misjudge the little boy’s actual character and needs at every turn. In the end Grahame’s unrealistic view of childhood leads directly to the greatest personal tragedy of his life.
Keywords:Â Biographical play, celebrity, true story, four characters, historical, Edwardian, English
Produced by FourTails Theatre Company, Brighton, UK, 2022
Genre: Drama
Acts: 2
Run time: 100 minutes
Content note: Contains references to suicide
Cast size: 4 actors
Male roles: 2
Female roles: 2
Casting notes:Â Male Actor to play Kenneth Grahame 40-50
Female Actor to play Elspeth Grahame 40-50
Male Actor to play multiple parts 30-50
Female Actor to play multiple parts 30-50
Actors must be able to do various British accents
"This is a gentle, subtle, unfolding play, revealing in half-lights and delicacy, never explosive, but devastating in storytelling."
- Simon Jenner, Fringe Review