Railway Children Theatre Performance
Last night Neva, Kaide, Eowyn and I went along to the Norwich Theatre Royal for the opening night of Edith Nesbitt’s The Railway Children and they declared it ‘Fantastic’.
I was slightly worried how they would recreate the trains, particularly as Kings Cross Theatre had a real Steam Train, but I needn’t have worried as director Paul Jepson had enlisted the help of Tim Bird, a brilliant video designed and they created something very realistic that had you captivated, and also made you giggle when the little train models came chugging past. My particular favourite was the train carriage that held the Old Gentleman (and later on, extra passengers) wheeling across the stages, this was met with an uproar of laugher!
The story follows three children, Roberta (Millie Turner) Phyllis (played tonight by Sally Geake) and Peter (Vinay Lad) who, after their father mysteriously vanishes, move to a Yorkshire village with their mother into three chimneys cottage, near to the railway station. Thrust from wealth into poverty, the mother (Joy brook) tries to keep their financial affairs quiet, and the children spend most days at the Railway, waving to passengers.
Their time at the railway is interlinked with adventures along the way, which I won’t spoil for you, as I would recommend that you go and watch it for yourselves.
The children’s favourite character was Perks (Stewart Wright) the station master, who was very funny and tied the whole story together very nicely, and his son John (Callum Goulden) was very believable as a 14 year old Yorkshire boy. The four actors and actresses that played the children did a marvellous job, it’s amazing how a pair of short trousers and a flat cap can turn an adult into a 12 year old boy!
A totally fun-filled, feel good story that is suitable for the entire family, there are performances taking place Tuesday 1st Aug – Saturday 5th August at 7.30pm and matinee performances on Wednesday 2nd August and Saturday 5th August at 2.30pm.
Running Time: 1hr 50 mins
Discounts Available:
Over 60s Special Price £5 off Bands A & B on Wed Matinee
Under 18s Special Price £5 off Bands A & B on Tues- Thurs eve plus matinees
