Cast
Numbers here assume no doubling of parts
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Named characters: 19
Solo singing roles: 17
Minimum Possible Cast: 22
Duration: 85-90 minutes
All named parts involve singing solos except those marked with *
PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS ( 70+ lines):
TOAD - Modest, reserved and humble are the three words Toad would use to describe himself…unfortunately no one else would! Loud, opinionated and (admittedly) very funny, Toad nevertheless endears himself to his loyal friends through his generosity of spirit.
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RAT - A loyal, dependable and fiercely protective resident of the Riverbank. Rat’s friends come first, he’d run a mile in tight shoes for them!
MOLE - Bravery is not his middle name, although he wishes it was. Mole longs for acceptance and grows in stature with the help of his companions. At times quiet and reflective, a riled Mole is not a pretty sight!
BADGER - Exudes a quiet authority to all he meets. Not even the Weasels mess with Badger: a natural leader.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS (20 to 60 lines):
CHIEF WEASEL - Snide, cunning, nasty and manipulative. He can’t help being a bully, it’s in his nature…
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POLICEMAN - Our Policeman is not the sharpest truncheon in the box. Nevertheless, he won’t accept being called a ‘nincompoop’ – well, not by Toad anyway.
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JUDGE - Imagine a stereotypical, draconian tyrant. Then double it. That’s our Judge.
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SEA RAT - A wandering, nomadic mystery. What Rat may have been had he travelled the world…
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ENGINE DRIVER - Almost as adventurous as Toad, our Engine Driver is prepared to risk all for a thrill.
CAMEOS (up to 20 lines):
PRISON GUARD - Almost as bumbling as our Policeman, but don’t bet he won’t use that pike!
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STATION CLERK - Pedantic and petty. For research, visit any British Rail counter…
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HORSE - A minor, but important role. Imagine being pulled out of retirement merely on the whim of an excitable amphibian; a cynical antidote to the hysteria of Toad.
NURSE - Beautiful, caring and too trusting for her own good. She didn’t count on the wiliness of Toad!
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OTTER* - A faithful resident of the Riverbank, looking out for his friends.
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CLERK OF THE COURT* - Imagine a stereotypical, draconian tyrant’s greasy assistant. Then double it. That’s our Clerk.
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MOUSE* - All alone in the world, our nervous Mouse is happy to have some company at last, and is pleasantly surprised with the kindness he receives.
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JAILER'S DAUGHTER* - A little brash, but probably a founder member of the RSPCA. She doesn’t care for injustice, especially if it concerns animals.
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AUNT* - Very brash, and in it for the cash.
ENSEMBLES (mostly group singing, any number in each):
RIVERBANKERS (many solo lines within songs) - They stand for decency, and a quiet life. They’d do anything to avoid the WildWood…
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WILDWOODERS (many solo lines within songs) - They stand for manipulation and fear. Happy to scare the Riverbankers in any way they can. They quite like the idea of expanding their little empire…
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RABBITS (2 small speaking roles) - Pernickety and very excitable. They’ll say what’s on their mind.
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PASSERS-BY (1 small singing solo) - Admirers of Toad’s caravan – much more so than Toad in fact…
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WEASELS, STOATS & FERRETS (4 small speaking roles) - The (sour) cream of the Wild Wood crop. Don’t mess with them, wherever you live…
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SWALLOWS (2 small speaking roles) - Following their hearts, they travel far and wide throughout the year.
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FIELD MICE (2 small speaking roles) - Busy preparing for winter, they usually start around June.