The Australian Shakespeare Company’s The Wind in the Willows will celebrate its 40th anniversary at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens this summer, bringing the much-loved outdoor theatre production back for another season of family adventures.
Running from 18 December 2026 to 24 January 2027, the production has entertained more than a million people across Australia since its debut in 1987.
Created by Australian Shakespeare Company founder and Artistic Director Glenn Elston OAM, the show has become one of the country’s longest-running outdoor theatre productions, introducing generations of children to live performance.
“40 years is an extraordinary milestone. When we first performed The Wind in the Willows in 1987, we could never have imagined that it would still be bringing families together four decades later,” Elston said.
“We have audiences who came as children who are now bringing their own children, and even their grandchildren. That’s what makes this production so special, and I feel incredibly lucky that we’ve been able to share it with generations of Australians.”
Based on Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 children’s novel, the production brings Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly and the mischievous Mr Toad to life through music, comedy and interactive storytelling.
Young audience members can join the Head Chief Rabbit as honorary rabbits, singing along, shouting out and becoming part of the action, while cheeky moments keep adults entertained, too.
The outdoor experience encourages families to arrive early with picnic blankets, snacks and drinks before following the action through scenic spots in the gardens.
Performances take place at the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Oak Lawn Gate, on the corner of Birdwood Avenue and Dallas Brooks Drive.
Book tickets for The Wind in the Willows’ 40th anniversary season.
