The Wind in the Willows, Gobbledigook Theatre, at Bolton Abbey

YORK-based Gobbledigook’s outdoor adaptation of this enchanting children’s tale of adventure and mischief, has been re-imagined especially for the venue, and marks director Phil Grainger's first production in a year-long artistic residency at Bolton Abbey Estate, near Skipton.

The energy of the story is brilliantly carried by John Holt-Roberts as Toad and the other classic characters are beautifully portrayed by Cecily Nash as Mole, Andrew Caley as Ratty, David Jarman as Mr Badger and Alexander Flanagan-Wright as Chief Weasel.

A fantastic young community cast joins the professional line-up to play the mischievous band of weasels. Led by Flanagan-Wright, who is menacing and funny in equal measure, they interact well with the crowd, while a small band of rabbits set the scene with perfectly-pitched live music on guitar, violin and banjo.

The show begins in a shabby chic tent decorated elegantly with vintage furniture from where the audience are lead to the river to witness Mole’s first adventure on a boat. Badger’s set is "underground" and in the shade of an oak tree so the audience look in from above. The finale, at Toad Hall, lives up to its reputation as "The finest house in all of England".

Children are encouraged to get involved throughout and by the end of the performance have firmly chosen their side, whether it be alongside the troublesome weasels or good old Toad. One young audience member was overheard saying, "It was so good it was like 3D".’

* Runs until August 7. Tickets: boltonabbey.com

Raymond Crisp