Children's classic with Victorian guest star

Jul 22 2008 by Daniel Thomson, The Journal

A CLASSIC children’s tale has been brought to life as never before thanks to a unique guest star – a 39-tonne steam train.

York Theatre Royal’s new production of E Nesbit’s The Railway Children is being performed in a specially-constructed theatre space at the National Railway Museum (NRM).

And this unique environment has provided a treasure trove of authentic props, the biggest and best being Stirling Single – a 39-tonne steam locomotive built in 1870.

The theatre’s artistic director Damian Cruden says: “She’s the most beautiful piece of engineering.

“It was worth staging the play at the NRM for that alone.”

Published in 1906, The Railway Children tells how three Edwardian children, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis, find their lives turned upside down after their father is arrested on suspicion of betraying state secrets.

They and their mother move from London to a cottage near a railway in rural Yorkshire, where they embark on a journey of discovery, friendship and adventure.

But the mystery remains. Where is their father and is he coming back?

This new stage adaptation was written by playwright Mike Kenny and directed by Damian who had the idea for the production 11 years ago.

He says the enduring appeal of the novel and the innovative use of the museum make the show a must-see this summer.

“It’s a coming-of-age novel, which celebrates the powerful forces of human nature and challenges negative attitudes that stand in the way of moving forward,” he says.

“The family become refugees who are welcomed into a community.

“They in turn take a refugee into their home regardless of their own poverty.

“The children challenge many adult preconceptions of what the ‘right thing to do’ is – so for children, reading the story is very empowering.

“It is a hugely uplifting story, and to top it all it has a train in it.” The director says making his idea a reality came with unique challenges.

“In recent years, York Theatre Royal has developed hugely as an organisation. This has brought us to a place where we can now turn exciting ideas into reality.

“We also had to persuade the NRM they’d like to be involved and that this would be possible which, though never difficult, has taken time and patience on all sides.

“More recently, the biggest challenge was making a theatre space at the NRM.

“There were lots of complications in transforming the tent area into a space that was safe and practical.

“On top of this, we had to run a steam engine into the middle of the space.”

The cast features Marshall Lancaster, best known as DC Chris Skelton in Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, and Colin Tarrant, who for 12 years appeared in The Bill as Inspector Andrew Monroe.

Playing the children are Sarah Quintrell (Roberta), Frances Marshall (Phyllis) and Jonathan Race (Peter).

The Railway Children is at the National Railway Museum until August 23. Tel: (01904) 623568 or go to www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk