Friends of the Earth Birmingham Action Briefing Apr/May 98

Mole and Ratty Join Fight Against BNRR

Writes Steve Mackman, Theatre Correspondent

The greatest show on Earth? Certainly the greatest show opposite St Philip's Cathedral this year. On Saturday 7th March Birmingham Friends of the Earth performed the street drama 'Toad of Toll Hell'.

Watched live by many and reported in news bulletins throughout the West Midlands events outside Toad Hall unfolded.

So what was the cause of the confrontation? Well the blissful rural lives of the creatures in the Wild Wood was about to be changed forever. The Weasels were planning to build the new Birmingham Northern Relief Road (BNRR) straight through the homes of the poor animals, who decided to put up a fight!

The actors performed magnificently. The costumes looked wonderful. Even the rain started and stopped on cue. This was the result of the very skilful use of plastic sheeting, but it never interfered with the actual drama. Maybe the heavens themselves support our cause.

Imagine St Phillip's Square magically transformed into the Wild Woods

Now imagine St Philip's square magically transformed into the Wild Woods. Ratty and Moley are having a peaceful picnic enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside. How they like their quiet walks in the country untroubled by the horrors of the city and especially the motor car. However, their happiness was not to last.

Toad had come up with a Grand Scheme. The constant constipating congestion had been ruining the enjoyment of his driving. The only relief for such painful blockages, he decided, was to build an enormous motorway, the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. Then, wearing hard hats, and sinister furry ears entered the Weasels. They were there to build the road. They were bad. The audience hissed and booed. The Weasels strutted the stage.

Interviewed after the event Weasel 2 said 'Global Transportation Strategy. That's what we need. More roads.'

But what actually happened? Did the Weasels succeed in destroying all the animal's homes? Did they blow Toad Hall up into ten thousand tiny pieces? Did they fill up Moley's burrow with quick drying cement?

All I can say is that you should have been there. Still, you could always go to the next performance. The BNRR will be coming soon to a green-field site near you.

For more news on the BNRR, see report.