The Railway Children Tickets

Originally penned in serialised form in 1905, Edith Nesbitt’s “The Railway Children” has been on the track to long-lasting popularity ever since. More than a century after it first appeared in the pages of “The London Magazine” it once again becomes a talking point as a unique and specialised production of the show opens at the Waterloo Station in July 2010.

It is the latest in a long line of adaptations for the classic story, which appeared in its full published form in 1906 and went on to enjoy six screen adaptations. The movie version of 1970 remains the most popular choice for viewers to date and a decade ago a new television movie brought the story to a new generation of viewers. Now the stage is set for a new adaptation by Mike Kenny, who first saw the production staged at the York National Railway Museum in 2008.

The 2011 version of the story will be staged on the disused track of the former Eurostar terminal at Waterloo Station. The area will be transformed into a specialised venue that will see the audience positioned on the platforms on either side of the track whilst an appearance is made by a saloon carriage featured in the original movie. Hints of the original production at the National Railway Museum will also be felt by the appearance of a Stirling Single locomotive from the site, making it a unique highlight amongst the London stage landscape.

In “The Railway Children” we are introduced to Bobby, Peter and Phyllis, three siblings who are used to a city life with their mother and father. But when the latter mysteriously disappears, their life is turned upside down and it eventually leads to them accompanying their mother for a new life in rural Yorkshire. They must now adapt to a new existence in the countryside and a close friendship with a local railway porter leads to some compelling adventures. The story features many iconic moments that have been made famous by the numerous adaptations, with the bond between the characters making for a heart-warming show. But whilst their new life unfolds there is still the lingering question as to the whereabouts of their father.

“The Railway Children” makes its appearance at Waterloo Station from 19th June 2011 until 4th September 2011.