Review by Paul Towers, 31/3/23
The Railway Children – A Musical by Julian Woodford, music & lyrics by Richard John and Julian Woodford
Directed by Leigh White
Produced by Leicester Drama Society (LDS)
At The Little Theatre until Saturday 15th April
“a perfect Easter treat”
Way back in 1970 a classic movie was born. Under the auspices of the legend that was Lionel Jeffries, who bought the rights at the time, The Railway Children quickly became a family favourite.
In 2005 a stage musical was premiered and has become a firm favourite with children, young and old, ever since.
Written by E (Edith) Nesbit in 1905 and published the following year The Railway Children follows the story of three children and their mother, reduced to penury when their father is wrongly convicted of spying. In dire straits they move out of London to the country to await what they all fervently believe will be the clearing of their father’s name. Their subsequent adventures include saving the life of an injured boy when he breaks his ankle and can’t get off the railway line and preventing a train derailing when a tree blows down.
Mother (Amanda Sadler) arrives on the platform of the deserted station in the country with her three children in tow. Roberta, the eldest (Scarlett Hubbard), Peter, the stroppy teenager (Harvey Griffiths) and Phyllis (Ava Colford /Hollie Longley Wilford) the baby of the family are lost and bewildered. Fortunately Mr Perks (Tom Young), the station Master, is able to point them in the right direction. Perks’ children, typical country kids, resent the ‘townies’ arriving but very soon the two families rub along quite nicely.
The main cast are ably supported by an ensemble which peoples the village with characters.
Huge kudos should go to Gem Greaves who designed the original set for LDS. Somehow they even managed to get the front end of a steam train onstage.
Because so many of the cast are youngsters all the children’s roles have to be doubled up (the perfect excuse to go and see the show a second time!)
Once again LDS has assembled a cast of the most talented amateur performers from Leicester and the surrounding area. The singing is superb and the acting, especially from the young cast members, is astonishing.
The Railway Children is a perfect for the Easter Holidays and as such runs til 15th April
www.thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on
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