The Railway Children returns after steaming success
19/06/2009
Issued by National Railway Museum
Following the run-away success of The Railway Children last summer, the National Railway Museum (NRM) and York Theatre Royal have once again joined forces to re-stage the spectacular production of E. Nesbit's much loved children's tale. This theatrical event is once again featuring a real steam train and is taking place in a specially constructed theatre space at the NRM, from 23rd July- 5th September.
Last year's production received national critical acclaim including a 5 star review in the Guardian in which The Railway Children was described as ‘a triumphant reinvention of a children's classic'. Industry bible The Stage also described the play as a ‘genuine theatrical event' with ‘excellence from everyone in the cast'.
Over 24,000 people saw the show last year and demand for tickets was so high that the last three weeks of the show was completely sold out - meaning hundreds of people had to be turned away. This resulted in the local press receiving letters calling for the production to be re-staged.
The Railway Children tells the story of how the comfortable lives of three Edwardian children, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are shattered when their father is arrested on suspicion of betraying state secrets. The children and their mother move from London to a modest cottage near a railway in the Yorkshire countryside. New friendships, adventures and terrifying dangers await. But the mystery remains - where is father, and is he ever coming back?
Originally published in 1906, The Railway Children is the most famous of Edith Nesbit's novels, whose books for children are recognised as some of the greatest classics of the genre. The story was made into a successful film in 1970 featuring Jenny Agutter, Sally Thomsett, Gary Warren, Dinah Sheridan and Bernard Cribbins. This new stage adaptation has been penned by the highly acclaimed children's playwright Mike Kenny. The original cast will be returning with the addition of Kali Peacock as Mrs Perks and pantomime regular Martin Barrass as the station master Mr Perks.
The Railway Children, directed by York Theatre Royal's artistic director Damian Cruden, also features one of the biggest guest stars ever to take to the stage - Stirling Single, a beautiful, green, black and gold 66 tonne steam locomotive built in 1870, which rolls to a majestic halt in front of Bobby as she saves the day and averts disaster!
Daniel Bates, Chief Executive at York Theatre Royal, said
"We were thrilled with the success of the show last year, and so many people had to be turned away as tickets sold out, we thought we ought to give everyone a second chance to see the show. People travelled from all over the UK to see the show from the Outer Hebrides, Cornwall and London, putting York Theatre Royal, The National Railway Museum and the City of York firmly on the cultural map."
Rose Lindsay Smith, Festival and Events Officer at the NRM, added:
"Last summer The Railway Children received huge critical acclaim and helped to establish the NRM as a venue for theatre and the arts. We strive to offer our visitors a unique and exciting experience through our Railway theme and we are thrilled to be working with York Theatre Royal to bring this spectacular production to life once again."
ENDS