Brief Encounter with … Birmingham Rep’s The Wind In The Willows Nicholas Prasad

Nicholas Prasad plays Mole in The Birmingham REP’s 2012 Christmas production of The Wind In The Willows. Playing as part of their off-site season at the Crescent Theatre from November 28.

For those people who have never seen The Wind In The Willows before can you give a brief synopsis of the show?
 
It’s essentially about the formation of a close friendship between four residents of a tiny corner of English countryside utopia and their adventures along the way. Mole has a sudden desire to explore the world outside (or above) and throw himself at the unknown. Into a world of friendships, discovery, feastings and ‘simply messing about in boats’. The story explores how the characters help one another. From Toad’s vehicle addiction and extravagant, reckless lifestyle to combating the antagonistic Wild Wooders – culminating in the final battle of Toad Hall, the adventure our heroes journey on explores the true meaning of friendship, loyalty and camaraderie.

What is different about this production?
 
I would say the musicality of the production coupled with the collaborative performances of the actors. The play has an incredibly melodic and lyrical quality to it and this production allows the story to be musically accessible through a beautiful dialogue of music and action. Actors, in between leaping about in rabbit attire and swinging from bridges, produce an array of instruments from among the onstage shrubbery and continue the telling of the story. Though we follow our four heroes, it’s about the journey of all the inhabitants in this world and the adventure wouldn’t be complete without such an emphasis on collaboration. The production is very accessible. Kids will (hopefully) love it as we’ve all strived to amplify the humour of the play. And of course there’s plenty (thanks to Alan Bennett) for the adults to indulge in. Plus, the costumes and the set design look absolutely fantastic. Big, bold and bright. Perfectly apt for Christmas. It will certainly aim to pack a festive punch.

Tell us a little about your character

Mole is the youngest of our four heroes. Impulsive, curious and eager to create a new life for himself and jump into the world above, he is the adventurer in all of us. Prompted by a sudden bout of spring fever, he does away with his spring cleaning – out with the old and into the new. He is the newcomer to this world who seeks to educate himself among fresh surroundings and friends; he has a propensity to wonder, inquire, query, doubt and sometimes challenge. Moles is certainly most child like character, with limited inhibitions and an openness to discover.
 

Have you been involved with a company like Birmingham Rep before?

I have fortunately worked with other companies before that employ a similar ethic of ensemble work. However, it is still refreshing to enter into a company with such a prestige and impressive body of work straight out of drama school, to be greeted with a warming earnestness, be fully grounded and hard working. Though The REP produces challenging work, as an actor this is perfect and made all the more easier by being so accessible and accommodating. Older actors often tell me that it is difficult to apply the latter half of my training as there are fewer and fewer repertory companies to work with in this current climate. I feel very privileged that I am able to work with The REP and I look forward to hopefully contributing to their impressive productions.

What are you career highlights so far?

Being a drama school graduate, fresh faced and teeth uncut, I can’t say I’ve really merited a ‘career’ yet but I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some incredibly talented actors and directors. I would say performing at the Soho Theatre, working with Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol and the RSC. My drama school highlight was playing Marc Anthony in Julius Caesar which LAMDA took on tour to Paris where we performed in numerous theatres. This was a hugely educating and valuable experience which I will both treasure and seek to evolve in times ahead.

What’s next after The Wind In The Willows?

Next? I will now be discovering (like Mole) the depths of the unknown. Back to London, but who knows – into the wilderness, such is this funny business I’ve decided to get myself tangled up in!

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company presents The Wind In The Willows at part of their off-site season at The Crescent Theatre in Birmingham from Wednesday 28 November 2012 through Saturday 19 January 2013.