Cast Announcement for The Wind in The Willows at Hull Truck Theatre - 2026

Fast, funny and full of surprises, this whirlwind adventure is set to captivate audiences of all ages over the festive season. 
Featuring brand new music and clever props, costumes and scenery, that have 
become a staple of Hull Truck Theatre festive productions, this charming adaptation 
by Mark Powell is full of humour and heart! Based on Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved 
novel, with music by John Biddle, audiences are invited to join Mole and friends on a 
truly epic adventure exploring the riverbank and later trying to save Toad Hall just in 
time for Christmas. 
Directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Babych, the production will 
celebrate the timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, home and belonging.
Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre and Director of The Wind in the 
Willows, said:

“There is something wonderfully nostalgic about sharing The Wind in The Willows
with the people you love. This production with a sprinkle of festive magic offers a 
special opportunity for generations of families to come together, enjoy a wholesome 
classic story and make new festive memories in the process. We are incredibly 
pleased to be working with Hull Trains again, whose generous continued support is 
enabling us to present a unique high-quality musical adaptation right here in Hull.
Prepare to be thoroughly entertained!”

Hull Trains return once again as show sponsor for the seventh year in a row, 
supporting the theatre to present another magical live theatre experience. Audiences 
can exchange a valid rail ticket for a £1 ice-cream at the interval during their visit. With 
a variety of flavours available, including vegan alternatives, this is a great opportunity 
to save money and help cut down travel emissions at the same time. 
This green travel initiative reflects both Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains’ ongoing 
commitment to the local community and pioneering environmentally conscious 
practices. 

Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said:
“We’re proud to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Hull Truck Theatre 
this year as Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad bring some festive magic to the city.
“Supporting the fantastic cultural attractions that make Hull such a special place is 
really important to us. We can’t wait to welcome visitors for a wonderful family 
adventure, with plenty of laughter, mischief and Christmas cheer.”

The Wind in The Willows will be performed by a company of eight actors who will
bring to life the much-loved characters, Mole, Rat Toad, Badger, Otter and other 
woodland creatures, to tell this much-loved story. The central character, kind-hearted 
and curious Mole will be played by local East Riding of Yorkshire actor, singer and 
musician, Jo Patmore. Jo also previously performed at Hull Truck Theatre in 2024, 
starring in Rapunzel, then in John Godber’s re-mount of Teechers in 2025. 

Recognisable to audiences from previous Christmas shows, such as Oliver Twist
(2025) and A Christmas Carol (2023), Andrew Whitehead will return this year to play 
the wise and respected, Badger. Andrew also has been seen on Hull Truck Theatre’s 
stage playing Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors (2024), Around the World In 80 
Days (2023) and Toast (2007). Andrew's TV and film credits include: Coronation 
Street, Brassic, The Runaways, Emmerdale and The Big Chance. 

Performing his Hull Truck Theatre debut, Paul Carroll will take on the practical, yet 
adventurous character of Rat. Theatre credits include: The Forsyte Saga (RSC), Strike! 
(Southwark Playhouse); The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Rapture Theatre/Traverse + 
tour); Twelfth Night (East London Shakespeare Festival); 40 Shades of Strawberry 
Blond (Soho Theatre), and Riverdance (lead singer: international tour), just to name a 
few. 
Soroosh Lavasani will play the comic and impulsive Toad. Often getting into trouble 
due to his obsession with the latest fads, such as motorcars, his character will feature 
some of the cleverest costume and prop designs. Graduate of LAMDA (London 
Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts), Soroosh has since performed in Animal Farm
(UK Tour), Comedy Of Errors/Company Of Rascals (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford), 
The Bounds (The Royal Court London and Live Theatre Newcastle), The Kite Runner
(Uk tour) and The Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Uk tour). 

Otter will be played by Harriet Waters. A graduate from Mountview, Harriet has been 
seen performing in Hull in the UK tours of SHEWOLVES (Edinburgh fringe, UK tour), 
and The Gruffalo’s Child (The Gruffalo’s Child, UK/ International tour, West End). 
Audiences may also recognise Harriet from her TV credits; Scott and Bailey (series 1-5, 
ITV), and the hilarious character of Heather in Uncanny (BBC). 

Also returning to Hull Truck Theatre are actors, Oliver Mawdsley as Squirrel, Kenneth
and Chief Weasel, Beth Crame as Stoat, Joyce and Horse and Robyn McIntyre as 
Rabbit, Elsbeth, Weasel and Jessica. Oliver starred as Seymour in Little Shop of 
Horrors (UK Tour), Cured, Boys from the Blackstuff, Red or Dead, & Speedo 
Mick (Liverpool's Royal Court), The Comedy of Errors – More or Less (Shakespeare 
North Playhouse & SJT), A Christmas Carol & The Great Gatsby (Derby Theatre). Beth 
has performed across stage and screen and is thrilled to be back at Hull Truck Theatre 
after appearing in Mary and the Hyenas (2025). Robyn is also thrilled to be back in Hull 
again after last year's Oliver Twist. Also remembered for playing Phyllis in Hull Truck
Theatre’s 2021 production of The Railway Children; other theatre credits include: Brass
(Leeds City Varieties), Brass (Hackney Empire), Fiddler on the Roof Directed by Sir 
Trevor Nunn (The Playhouse), and Identical the Musical Workshop Directed by Sir 
Trevor Nunn (The Dominion). Robyn was awarded ‘Highlight performance in a short 
film’ at the UK Film Awards 2025 alongside Stephen Fry and Siobhan Finneran.

A talented Young Company of twenty actors will join the production as an ensemble of 
Wild Wooders and woodland creatures, bringing additional energy, imagination and 
excitement to the world of The Wind in The Willows. Their involvement has been made 
possible through the generous support of the I AM Fund.

Tickets for The Wind in The Willows are available now and can be purchased via 
www.hulltruck.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01482 323638.  Recommended 
age guidance: 7+. A variety of access performances are also available including a 
‘Baby Friendly’ performance on Friday 11 Dec at 11.30am.