After packing The Maltings with a handful of performances at the weekend, KD Productions presented a cheque for £300 to the Mayor of Ely’s charity.

After bringing their family-friendly production of Wind in the Willows to life, the presentationwas made to Mayor of Ely Councillor Richard Hobbs and Mayoress Pat Hobbs.

Cllr Hobbs called the production “brilliant and fast-moving.

“It’s great to have professional theatre in the city of this standard and many thanks to KD for providing such wonderful family entertainment.

“The mayoress and I along with our granddaughter Jasmin where thoroughly enthralled. Well done KD - and a very big thank you for your generous donation.”

Reviewing the show, deputy mayor Councillor Mike Rouse said: “Scott Ritchie and KD Theatre’s production is a high spirited romp through Kenneth Grahame’s classic Edwardian story.

“What at first seems to be a beautifully-lit gentle retelling soon gathers speed as a fast-paced family show.

“The five-strong cast work exceptionally hard, all of them except Toad taking on other roles and showing their versatility.

“The ebullient, energetic Toad is in the safe hands of Terry Burns, rapidly becoming an Ely favourite.

“He wrings every ounce out of the character, wonderfully sincere as the insincere Toad, but ultimately lovable and particularly captivating the children in the audience - because Toad really is a big child.

“Rosie Coles as the timid and excitable Mole and Ross Townsend Green as reliable Ratty provide solid support, as does Oliver Scott as Badger, who also directs the show.

“Then there is Oliver Tattersfield, whether as Albert or Chief Weasel or a policeman, his strong athletic presence adds to every scene and his splits gained the admiration of every adult in the audience.

“The original songs by Triple Threat Creatives carry the action along well, while the junior ensemble from the KD Academy are neatly integrated into the fun.

“Simple props are used very cleverly and the whole show is attractive to look at.

This is a fresh and lively show, ideal for getting a young audience hooked on live theatre.

“But there is also something for all ages; we are all young at heart when we can sit back and enjoy such a spirited and committed cast of entertainers.”

KD Theatre Productions perform Wind in the Willows at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton this Sunday, April 15.

Visit http://www.kdtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/1109-2/ for tickets.