A hip-hop groove and classic English folk rock come to Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake over this week.

The much-loved children’s classic Wind in the Willows gets a hip-hop rewrite in the musical In The Willows.

Olivier award-winner Clive Rowe leads the cast as the story is moved an urban comprehensive school, complete with rap songs and street dancing.

He plays the stern but kindly teacher Mr Badger - keeping an eye on Toad, Rattie, Mole and the others.

Known to many youngsters as Norman “Duke” Ellington in BBC Children’s drama The Story of Tracy Beaker, he said: “Back when I got the script - it just felt new.

"I didn’t really know the original story - all I remembered was Toad, Rattie, something with a car and Badger - but this version, this musical - it’s so effortlessly modern - so relatable, and so brilliantly accessible to kids - without talking down to them.

" Once I got into the workshop and realised there was a deaf character and integrated British Sign Language - it was beautiful. I’m a big supporter of new musicals generally but I just thought it was amazing - it is amazing - this show really is being made for everyone.”

The show runs from April 2-6.

For tickets, call 017687 74411 or go to www.theatrebythelake.com