Toad in a Hole – Revived (July 2009)

For my music site please go to www.myspace.com/tinglefactory NB This version, the Revived one, replaces the original Toad in a Hole. If you are keen not to lose touch with Toad, please note my main youtube page rather than this specific URL, which may be subject to further changes. This film was made in 2008 which was “Year of the Frog” (www.2008yearofthefrog.org ). The lyrics of the song (see subtitles and below) tell a story of one particular schools efforts to provide a refuge and breeding space for amphibians (which are reported to be in decline internationally as a result of habitat destruction and disruption.) Running simultaneously with these lyrics is the story of a young field biologist and anti-road protestor. She has embarked on a quest to verify the authenticity of claims made by local inhabitants of a small village on the outskirts of Milton Keynes. These claims concern sightings of a strange frog/human lurking around the ponds and lakes. Folklore has it that this creature has claimed the lives of freshwater anglers in revenge for the choking of water-dwelling creatures by discarded fishing tackle. The creature is also said to help guide amphibians in the spring to safe areas of wetland to breed. The beast is revered by a local cult calling themselves “The Spawn of the First Amphibian.” Their aim is to increase the fertility of the water by charging it with the energy of fire. All these endeavours are hampered by the mischief of a breakaway coven of witches …