KENNETH Grahame's classic story book characters; the indefatigable Toad, dapper Ratty, lovable Mole and ponderous Badger are brought to life in A. A. Milne's stage adaptation, Toad of Toad Hall.

The Cotswold Players invite you to join Toad and his friends on his adventures as they leave their picnic on the riverbank and take to the open road in a gypsy caravan. Encounters with the dastardly inhabitants of the Wild Wood (a collection of plotting weasels, stoats and ferrets), a spell in prison, a dramatic escape and a battle to recapture the magnificent Toad Hall all faithfully tell the tales from the original book, The Wind in the Willows.

Grahame's characters sing their way through this enchanting story for all ages. Without giving too much away, there is a happy ever after' ending where all the animals are left to enjoy their natural surroundings to which they are justly entitled.

Company stalwart Jeremy Keck, last seen on stage as the Munchkin Mayor plays Mr Toad, whilst Alan Crockett, Geoff Butterworth and Rob Mauler portray Mole, Badger and Ratty. Stroud News and Journal News Editor Tamash Lal - sister paper to the Gazette - will be adding to the comic antics when he makes his first appearance at the Playhouse, playing a very drunken Judge.

The production is directed by John Knowles whose last production for the Players was the award winning farce, Noises Off '. Nathan King will be heading up the band of local musicians.

This version was first seen on the London stage in 1930 at the Lyric Theatre in which Richard Goolden created the part of Mole, which he regularly played until his last appearance at The Old Vic in 1979.It was also staged at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre during the 1960's in which Dame Judi Dench appeared as Ma Rabbit. Other notable roles have been played by Sir Ian McKellen and Alan Bennett.

The production runs from January 11-14 at the Cotswold Playhouse, Old Bisley Road, Stroud.