Writer: Edith Nesbit
Adaptor: Mike Kenny
Director: Damian Cruden
The Railway Children is immersive theatre at the top of its game – an absolute theatrical delight that captivates from the moment audiences step aboard the steam train at Keighley on its short journey to Oxenhope Station. Part of Bradford’s City of Culture 2025 celebrations, and presented in partnership with York Theatre Royal and Worth Valley Railway, this experience is more than just a show – it’s a beautifully staged journey into heart and heritage.
Adapted from Edith Nesbit’s beloved novel, Mike Kenny’s clever, witty script brings the story to life in a thoroughly Yorkshire way, with direction from Damian Cruden (former Artistic Director of York Theatre Royal and current Artistic Director at Alnwick Playhouse) guiding every moment with care and purpose. From the intimate family scenes to the bustling activity across the station platforms, every element is thoughtfully conceived and seamlessly executed.
The cast is nothing short of flawless. Farah Ashraf (Roberta), Raj Digva (Peter) and Jessica Kaur (Phyllis) form an irresistibly warm and believable sibling trio, with Asha Kingsley’s Mother providing an emotional anchor that grounds the story. Paul Hawkyard delivers a memorable performance in dual roles as the Father and the Russian – an impressive shift for audiences familiar with his York Theatre Royal pantomime work.
Mr and Mrs Perks are brought to life with charm and authenticity by Graeme Hawley and Elianne Byrne, striking just the right balance of Yorkshire grit and soft-hearted kindness.
The staging itself is a marvel. The cast dashes up and down both platforms, covering a huge amount of ground without missing a beat, and the production breaks the fourth wall in the best possible way, drawing the audience into the heart of the story. Special mention must go to the extraordinary railway worker team aka stage crew – just four of them, yet somehow everywhere at once. They slide carriages in and out of the playing area with such grace and precision that scene changes feel like part of the performance, not a pause in it. It’s a masterclass in timing and choreography. And then, there is the (real) steam train, the tunnel and the landslide – all represented in different ways, all equally stunning.
By the final scenes, the entire audience is fully invested – laughing, crying, and applauding with wholehearted emotion. The Railway Children at Oxenhope is a rich, moving and joy-filled experience with not a single wrong note. Get your big grins ready and your hankies out – this is a show with all the feels, and then some. Bravo!
Runs until 7th September 2025
