Alan Titchmarsh Set for Royal Opera House's THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Alan Titchmarsh will make his West End debut starring as the narrator in the Royal Opera House's production of The Wind in the Willows, with full casting to be announced soon. He said, 'I am thrilled and delighted to be joining this tremendous production which celebrates my all-time favourite children's book. Poop poop!'

This well-loved story is brought to life through song, music, dance and puppetry. The production, directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, makes its return to the West End after an Olivier Award-winning run last Christmas. The production will be at the Vaudeville Theatre from Wednesday 26 November 2014 to Saturday 17 January 2015.

Alan Titchmarsh has enjoyed a long and varied career in television, presenting Gardener's World and Ground Force as well as his own show on ITV, The Alan Titchmarsh Show. He has written over 50 books as well as nine novels, a Christmas anthology and a miscellany on Englishness. The Wind in the Willows will mark his West End theatre debut, having previously presented many prestigious events including the Last Night of the Proms and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant. In 2000 Alan received an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Will Tuckett's critically acclaimed production transferred to the Duchess Theatre in December 2013, presented by CMP, and marked the Royal Opera House's first commercial transfer, a significant first for the organisation. The production, which was named Best Entertainment and Family at the 2014 Olivier Awards, will this year run for eight weeks at the Vaudeville Theatre.

Based on Kenneth Grahame's timeless classic, the adventures of four woodland friends are retold through dance, song, music and puppetry. From a dusty old attic a wonderful tale unfolds; the peaceful riverbank world is rocked by a speeding car, a racing train and criminal deeds cooked up in the Wild Wood.

The escapades of the hot-headed Toad, debonair Ratty, shy Mole and wise Badger are brought vividly to life in a production that has charmed audiences of all ages. Drawing inspiration from the music of Edwardian composer George Butterworth, the action is set to a score by Martin Ward.

Through Tuckett's choreography, with narration written by former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, and designs from The Quay Brothers and Nicky Gillibrand, the Vaudeville Theatre will be transformed into the magical world of Grahame's tale. Full casting will be announced soon.

Recommended for everyone aged 5 and over.