The staging, which will begin performances July 4 prior to an official opening July 12 for a season through Sept. 4, was first produced by York Theatre Royal at the National Railway Museum, York, where it enjoyed two sell-out seasons in 2008 and 2009.
For its London debut, an auditorium will be created specially, built with the audience seated on either side of the original railway track, with the action taking place both on the track and on the platforms on either side. The production, which uses the old Gentleman’s saloon carriage from the original classic film, will also feature a period steam train from the National Railway Museum in York.
It is directed by York Theatre Royal's artistic director Damian Cruden, with design by Jo Scotcher, lighting by Richard G. Jones, music by Christopher Madin and sound by Craig Vear.
E. Nesbit’s much-loved children’s book "The Railway Children" was first published in 1906 and has subsequently been adapted for the stage and screen, most famously in the 1970 film version directed by the late Lionel Jeffries and starring Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan and Sally Thomsett. This new version is adapted by Mike Kenny.
According to press materials, The Railway Children tells the story of Bobby, Peter and Phyllis, three children whose lives change dramatically when their father is mysteriously taken away. They move from London to a cottage in rural Yorkshire with their mother where they befriend the local railway porter and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure. But the mystery remains – where is Father, and is he ever coming back? The London run is presented by Jenny King and Matthew Gale for The Touring Consortium (Railway Children), Tristan Baker, Oliver Royds, PW Productions and Sue Scott Davison who present a York Theatre Royal production, in association with the National Railway Museum. The production has been made possible with the support of the BRB (Residuary) Ltd and Network Rail.
In a press statement, producer Jenny King commented, "Edith Nesbit’s classic, 'The Railway Children,' has captured the imagination of generations of children and adults alike. We are delighted to be bringing this unique production to an exciting new performance space in the heart of Waterloo Station where audiences will be able to experience this timeless classic first hand."
The entrance to the Waterloo Station Theatre will be near the corner of York Road and Mepham Street, London SE1.
To book tickets, contact the box office on 0871 297 0740, or visit www.railwaychildrenwaterloo.com for more details.
