The Railway Children: All-aboard the 10.15 to York

Whilst a national strike might have paralysed most of the rail network, the steam trains arrived on time all week at Oakworth Station, which had been spectacularly created on the stage of the Grange Theatre in the last week of June.

Closely following the well-liked film version of the E Nesbit novel, the audience were (literally) transported into the straight-talking, close knit North Yorkshire community into which “the Railway Children”, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis, find themselves living after relocating from London.

The large cast of mainly lower school students showed a great confidence and enthusiasm, and the arrival of each train was a big occasion for little Oakworth Station.  To allow maximum participation in the production, major roles were shared between four talented teams of students, which added a new perspective to each part of the play, with four sets of identical costumes being meticulously realised in each team.

The split-height set was very impressive, using video projection to great effect, and a sliding stage for the cosy interior set of three chimneys cottage.  Special note should also be made of the sound, lighting and smoke effects, which were able to conjure a steam train out of thin air.

The story zipped along, and many scenes from the film were faithfully recreated on the stage, with the landslide and falling tree scene spectacularly ending the first half.  The birthday present scene between the Perks family and Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis was touchingly humorous, again recalling a similar scene in the film.

This was a really successful ensemble production, and Mrs Hardy-Kinsella and Miss McCormick must be congratulated for managing such a large cast so effectively. Similarly, the backstage team led by Mr Edwards, Mr Cox and Miss Huntriss managed a demanding and technical production with aplomb. The main praise must go to every student involved, who were all-aboard in creating a production with such a great buzz and feelgood factor.

Reviewed by Mr Stancombe