The chorus open the show singing ‘‘Tales of the River Bank’’ before the narrator gets the story underway by introducing Mole and Rat who quickly form a solid friendship as they embark on an adventure together after singing ‘‘Messing in Boats.’’
As time moves swiftly on, Mole becomes even more intrigued about this new world he has just discovered and asks Rat to take him to see Toad, who is more than pleased to welcome them into Toad Hall. However, as proud as Toad is of his fine residence, he cannot wait more than two minutes before showing both Rat and Mole his new purchase – a gipsy caravan! ‘‘Poop Poop’ follows as Toad becomes caught up in the excitement of his new motor vehicle. Despite Rat and Mole’s attempts at persuading Toad to strike up an interest in something safer, the stubborn animal doesn’t listen and the following morning places his order for this most expensive motor car!
As time continues, Mole becomes intrigued about the other creatures once again, and when Rat is asleep he embarks on a journey to the wild wood by himself to visit Badger. Unfortunately, Mole underestimates the eeriness of the wood and luckily Rat comes to his rescue; ‘‘Snowy Blowy Night’’ follows. After Rat finds Mole they start to make their way back towards the river, but on the way Mole smells the familiarity of his old home, and in a moment of nostalgia sings ‘‘My Old Home.’’ As Mole finds himself in memorable surroundings, Rat becomes mesmerised by the field mice as they sing ‘‘Christmas Carol’’ at this festive time of year.
As a new season begins, Badger, Rat and Mole visit Toad once again and during ‘‘A Lesson in Life’’ try to persuade him to leave motor cars alone! However, being the crafty Toad that he is, he fakes an illness and whilst left alone in his bedroom escapes through the window and steals a motor car but unfortunately ends up in gaol.
Yet the friendly Toad strikes up a relationship with a girl in prison who helps him to escape and dressed as a washer woman he leaves the gaol unnoticed. He then finds a barge and a woman who offers to take him back to Toad Hall in exchange for her washing being done. But although ‘‘All Washed Up’’ leaves a feeling of optimism in the air, the barge woman discovers that this stranger really isn’t a washer woman and in a moment of fury, flings him into the canal.
Eventually, Toad makes his way back home, but only to discover that the weasels have taken over Toad Hall! Eager to claim his home back, Toad and his friends make their way through a tunnel into Toad Hall just in time to hear the Weasels sing ‘‘The Hour has Come for Toad.’’ The song strikes a nerve in Toad and afterwards a battle commences. Since Toad emerges victorious he holds a banquet for his friends at the riverbank, and although he may seem slightly conceited at times, his friends can’t help but love him all the same and all join in to sing ‘‘Toad’s Last Little Song.’’
Click the "Script & Songs" heading to read the script, look at the score and listen to the songs.
