THE hall of Cradley's new Primary School turns into a riverbank for the village players' fantastic production of the Wind in the Willows.

Director Peter Diamond has lovingly adapted Kenneth Grahame's children's story, also writing songs set to early-20th Century music hall tunes and appearing as Rat.

The story follows Badger, Rat and Mole as they try to deal with their misguided and pompous friend Toad. When Toad's obsession with motor cars leads to him being imprisoned, his country residence, Toad Hall, is taken over by weasels but he escapes from prison and the friends finally manage to win the property back.

It seems the entire village is involved in the production and several familiar faces appear.

Parish councillor Roger Gill plays a wise but tired badger with authority while Cradley GP Bruce Herriot shows off his singing voice as a wonderfully silly Toad.

Meg Monk shines as timid Mole, forming a great partnership with Peter Diamond, playing a solid, reliable Rat with a talent for singing.

A wonderful supporting cast play the devious band of weasels, a choir of sweet singing field mice and various other parts, all dressed in imaginative costumes.

The scenery must also be mentioned, with Toad's car and caravan being particular highlights, and live music provided by a talented orchestra of local residents definitely uplifts the play.

This is a genuinely entertaining production with some great songs and wonderful community spirit.

Tickets are sold out, with all proceeds being split between buying stage lights for Cradley CE Primary School and bereaved children's charity. The Noah's Ark Trust. Jo Lafferty