3 STARS, August 29 – September 3. Amanda Hodges enjoys a solid adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic children's tale
Dave Simpson’s adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic tale certainly has all the hallmarks of a successful family show and does indeed, as director Paul Jepson hopes, nostalgically evoke ‘a lost age of kindness and community’ in today’s more fractured society. The story revolves around the new life of three Edwardian children who are unceremoniously uprooted from their comfortable middle-class existence in London and transplanted with their kindly mother to a small Yorkshire village after their father disappears in mysterious circumstances.
Confused and upset, it’s only the kindness of local stationmaster Mr Perks (a benevolent Stewart Wright) and the local steam trains that slowly give their lives some firm foundation. Perks is absolutely central to the story as he narrates the action on stage, his reflections framing every incident and his triggering of a lever heralding every scene change.
Timothy Bird’s stage design is terrific and his video projections of the steam trains that entrance the children are captivating, making effective use of the limited space afforded by the stage. Happily, all the classic scenes from the book appear, including the paper chase and the red petticoat incident, the latter moment somewhat underpowered in its depiction though given how pivotal it is to the story.
The children have challenging roles and their performances can seem rather mannered and a little 'stagey', Millie Turner's likeable Bobby an exception to this as she persuasively portrays both the fifteen-year-old's childish enthusiasm and her growing emotional maturity. Her scenes with their 'old gentleman' are genuinely touching, aided by Neil Salvage's excellent performance in this role.
At its best The Railway Children is an uplifting and life-affirming tale and its central message of kindness, tolerance and community spirit is one that has clearly withstood the passage of time for the book has remained in print ever since its publication in 1906.
Much of its intrinsic appeal has been lovingly maintained by Exeter Northcott Theatre (who've produced this version), and it will certainly be an easy crowd-pleaser for family audiences. But the tale lingers in the memory partly courtesy of the superb Seventies film and for any stage version to make its own impact it does need to pack some sort of strong dramatic punch and this, despite its undoubted charm and wholesome appeal, the production doesn’t deliver so effectively. It's cosy and entertaining fare but more momentum is needed.
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