As you drive through the gates of Carrick Hill and approach the main building it would be easy to believe that you had happened upon Toad Hall. Greeted by a friendly and kind face you can instantly sense that  the performance is going to be a lovely experience and as we are led up the hill to meet Mr Badger all those childhood feelings come rushing back at the excitement of hearing what is possibly one of, if not the best, of classic stories.

Sat upon picnic rugs under the shade of tall lush trees, Mr Badger tells the tale of Mole, Ratty and the infamous Mr Toad. This interactive story has little hands excitedly being raised and we even all get to dance. As the story is told the adults join in with a gleeful chorus of “Poop poop” as Mr Toad spies a motor car for the first time thus ending his obsession with his canary yellow gypsy cart. What makes the telling even more beautiful is the element of Mr Badger’s traveling trunk which holds some beautiful handmade scenes, housed in timely boxes and props of appropriate nature that I would really rather call Mr Badger’s belongings.

Such is the quality of storytelling that it isn’t until the end when Mr Badger introduces himself as Chris that you actually bring yourself back to the grounds of Carrick Hill where you have just watched a performance. What makes this fringe show so wonderful is that the location has been chosen to match the story and families have the lovely option to stay on and explore the garden or enjoy a picnic just like Ratty and Mole. The storybook trail is delightful as is spying Ratty’s boat in the dam and there is even a marked area for bocce if you are up for a game. I cannot recommend this show highly enough and that a 35 minute show was able to inspire an entire afternoon of adventure with young Mr 2.