Australian Shakespeare Company to Present 30th Consecutive Production of WIND IN THE WILLOWS at Royal Botanic Gardens

This summer, one of Australia's most beloved family traditions will perform their 30th consecutive season in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Australia's longest running theatre show, The Wind in the Willows, has just completed its first international tour: a sell out season in London's Kew Gardens. The animals of the riverbank are still 'messing, simply messing about in boats!'

Multi generational audiences are invited to celebrate this summer's very special season when The Wind in the Willows transforms Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens for the 30th time from 23 December 2016 to 28 January 2017.Tickets are on sale now from www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au.

Glenn Elston's The Wind in the Willows has played to generations of audiences across Australia, and now many thousand passionate fans in London!

"It's amazing to think we have been doing this for 30 years. Just like our audiences, my family has grown up with the show. My son Otis played Portly as a child, and grew up stage-managing and performing various parts, getting to know it intimately. Now he's proven himself as a director, and will be directing our anniversary season," says Elston.

"We couldn't be more humbled by Australia's love for our little production - without them we wouldn't still be here."

The Wind in the Willows has become a tradition for thousands of Melbourne families, with many who saw the show as children now bringing their own little ones, while some families of four generations have been seeing the show regularly since it was first performed.

Join Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly and, of course, Mr Toad, as they return this summer, bringing to life Kenneth Grahame's immortal story of life on the riverbank.

The critically acclaimed outdoor theatre production delivers music, songs and laughs. There is fun for young and old as the Head Chief Rabbit transforms audiences into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose.

Melbourne's best-loved affordable family entertainment, The Wind in the Willows asks you to pack a picnic, pack the kids and join in the fun!

The young 'rabbits' are encouraged to get involved in the action, and are given every opportunity to scream out loud, sing along and become part of the adventure. With laughs and surprises for children and adults, this is interactive theatre at its best.

The Wind in the Willows has become a National Treasure, playing to delighted audiences in the gardens of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. This summer Sydney also celebrates an anniversary, with the riverbank creatures performing their 15th summer season.

Every summer Melbourne's iconic Royal Botanic Gardens are a hive of activity with thousands Melburnians, Victorians, national and international visitors enjoying Glenn Elston's Shakespeare Under the Stars and family favourite The Wind in the Willows. This summer Elston's interactive show for preschoolers, Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies, also returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens, following rave reviews for their debut season last year.

Since it's inception, the company has played to over a million people nationally with critically acclaimed annual summer seasons, indoor shows, concerts, plays and indigenous festivals.

EVENT INFORMATION:
DATES: Melbourne: 23 December - 28 January
10am Tue - Sun, 6pm Thu, Fri, Sat
(No 6pm performance on 24 Dec,
no shows on 27 Dec, 1 Jan or 26 Jan)

WHERE: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Enter via Gate F on Birdwood Avenue

PRICES: Single tickets $25 (Sun - Fri) $30 (Sat); Family of four (four tickets, any age) $90 (Sun - Fri), $110 (Sat).

BOOKINGS: www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au
or call 8676 7511

Tickets are available at the on-site box office unless sold out, box office opens one hour prior to each performance.

What to bring: Pack a picnic full of goodies you like to eat and drink, a blanket or cushions to sit on, sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat.

"You'll love this production - no matter what age you are" - Herald Sun

"Pure charm for adults and children alike" - The Age

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