The Wind in the Willows
“You’ll love this production no matter what age you are!”
The Herald
The Australian Shakespeare Company Present
The 40th anniversary Production of Glenn Elston's Critically Acclaimed Production of Kenneth Grahame's
The Wind in the Willows
18 July - 23 Aug 2026
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
By the Lake
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About the Show

The Wind in the Willows is Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of life on the riverbank.

A rollicking yet gentle adventure follows best friends Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter and, of course, the arrogant, vain and hilarious Toad.

Set against the magical backdrop of the lake, this critically acclaimed outdoor production is filled with colourful characters, music, song and laughter.

Young audience members are invited to join the fun as the Head Chief Rabbit transforms them into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose, before they take part in the riverbank adventure, full of laughs and surprises along the way.

A favourite for generations, this is interactive theatre at its very best. Come along and be part of the adventure.

Suitable for all ages.

“There are singalong songs and participation aplenty in this panto-style comedy, so even the smallest theatregoers will be enraptured.” - Time Out

Theatre on Kew is delighted to once again partner with the Australian Shakespeare Company, known for creating exciting, accessible and contemporary productions of Shakespeare, children’s classics, musicals and more.

Tickets include entry to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy an idyllic afternoon of outdoor theatre and nature.

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A transaction fee of £1.95 applies per booking.

★★★★★
“The performance is pure charm for adults and children alike”
The Age
★★★★★
“You’ll love this production no matter what age you are!”
The Herald
★★★★★
“Lots of action, laughter, song and dance meant that children of all ages were totally engaged from start to finish”
Australian Stage
★★★★★
“A show doesn't endure for three decades without a winning formula, and The Wind in the Willows thrives on a tried and true mix of charming songs and terrible puns, cartoonish performances and interactive play. And yes, there's even a "behind you!" for good measure”
Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★★
“Fast paced and wildly entertaining”
Scatter of Opinion
★★★★★
“It's a fully interactive, charming production that will have you singing, laughing and dancing”
Angels & Urchins

At a Glance

Performance Information

Running time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the show start time, to allow enough time to process tickets and walk from the gate to the performance site.


Worried about the weather?

CLICK HERE for information in our F.A.Qs

Patrons affected by a cancelled performance are invited to exchange their tickets for an alternative performance date/time or receive a full refund via their booking agent.


Suddenly can't attend? CLICK HERE to exchange your tickets.

Getting Here

By the lake

Map reference on Kew Gardens Maps - H3

By Tube:
Kew Gardens station (500m to Victoria Gate)

By Train:
Kew Bridge station (800m to Elizabeth Gate)

By Bus:
Route 65 stops at Victoria Gate

By Bike:
Racks are available at all gates

By Car:
Parking is available at Kew Gardens carpark (TW9 3AF) near Brentford Gate.

CLICK HERE for more information on accessible parking.

Ticket Information

Children aged 12-months and over must have a ticket.

Tickets include on-the-day, daytime admission to the Gardens

A transaction fee of £1.95 applies per booking.

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Creative Team

Glenn Elston OAM
Glenn Elston OAM
Adapted by
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We offer free ticket exchanges!

Ticket Exchanges

Other Shows This Summer

Performance Location

Victoria Gate is the best entry point for Theatre On Kew performances, as it’s staffed by Theatre On Kew box office staff who will be available to guide you to the performance site.

However, you are welcome to enter Kew Gardens through any gate. Gates open at 10:00 AM daily.

Wherever possible, please use public transport to the Gardens. For transport information, please see our FAQ.

Performance location

Venue Map

Venue seating map

Important Information

The Wind in the Willows

Please purchase all tickets in advance as there is limited capacity to each performance. Please note that there is no box office at Kew gardens so it is crucial that you book in advance. If you arrive and require additional tickets, this can be done online via your telephone or tablet device. If you require assistance TheatreOnKew Staff will be at Victoria Gate and the performance site 60 minutes prior to the performance start time to assist you with ticketing and direction enquiries.

Gates open at 10am. Please note, this performance of Alice in Wonderland takes place in Tulip Tree Avenue which is a 20 minute walk from Victoria Gate. Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the show start time, to allow enough time to process tickets and walk from the gate to the performance site.

The performance runs for 1 Hour 30 Minutes.

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Kew Members: Special Pricing

As a Kew Member, you have access to special discounted ticket prices for Theatre On Kew productions.

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Show your membership card

You must present your valid Kew membership card at the entrance on the day of the performance.

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Buying for your group?

You may purchase tickets for others in your group at the member rate. However, the Kew Member must be present and display their membership card on entry.

A transaction fee of £1.95 applies per booking.

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