The Railway Children – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

At the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, opening night of The Railway Children, brought to the stage through Mike Kenny’s adaptation was met with eager anticipation from an audience ready to be transported into a timeless family classic.

This much-loved story, originally written by Edith Nesbit, follows the lives of the Waterbury children, Roberta (Bobby), Peter, and Phyllis whose comfortable Edwardian life is turned upside down when their father is suddenly taken away. Forced to leave their London home, they relocate with their mother to a modest cottage called Three Chimneys in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside. Here, against a backdrop of rolling hills, wide skies, and quiet railway cuttings, the children begin a new chapter of resilience, discovery, and growth.

Under the direction of Jonathan Barker, the production unfolds with warmth and sincerity, capturing both the innocence of childhood and the emotional weight of sudden hardship. Georgia Maddock shines as Roberta (Bobby), delivering a naturalistic and heartfelt performance that anchors the production. Alongside her, Jamie King as Peter and Portia Dodds as Phyllis bring charm and authenticity, successfully portraying the curiosity and spirit of children navigating a world that has suddenly become uncertain.

Jane Holdship as Mother offers a touching portrayal of quiet strength and dignity, while Jonathan Black as Father provides the emotional core that drives the story’s underlying tension. A standout performance comes from John Dudley in his debut at the Garrick as Albert Perks, the station master, his portrayal was full of warmth, humour, and humanity, leaving a lasting impression.

The story gently unfolds through a series of encounters along the railway line, where the children form bonds with local villagers and railway staff. Their adventures filled with acts of kindness, bravery, and moral learning including the importance of compassion, the strength of family, and the resilience needed to adapt to change. The children, once privileged, must adjust to a simpler life, learning the value of community and discovering what truly matters.

The production’s staging is simple yet authentic, allowing the storytelling to take centre stage. The set design effectively evokes the rural charm of the Yorkshire Dales, while the lighting and sound design are particularly noteworthy. The immersive soundscape of steam trains, combined with visual effects of drifting steam and the rumble of passing engines, creates a vivid atmosphere that makes the audience feel as though they are standing on a working railway platform.

A clever narrative device sees the children act as storytellers, breaking the fourth wall and directly engaging the audience, an especially effective choice for younger viewers. Despite the challenge of adults portraying children, the cast rises admirably to the task, maintaining energy, believability, and emotional truth throughout. The use of a multi-role ensemble further demonstrates the cast’s versatility and commitment.

It is heartening to see both familiar faces and new talent sharing the stage, all clearly united by a passion for theatre. Productions like this highlight the importance of family theatre, not only as entertainment, but as a vital way to inspire the next generation. By keeping stories like The Railway Children alive, theatres ensure that young audiences continue to experience the magic of live performance, fostering imagination, empathy, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

This is a heartfelt, engaging, and thoughtfully executed production. Congratulations to the entire cast and creative team on a sterling performance and I wish them every success for the remainder of the run.

A truly heartwarming production packed with charm, strong performances, and a touch of theatrical magic – this is family theatre at its finest. Don’t miss your chance to see it at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse – all aboard before it’s gone!

The play runs until the 19^th April 2026 and you can purchase tickets from the website Booking | Altrincham Garrick or by calling the box office on 0161 928 1677

Reviewer: Katie Leicester

Reviewed: 8^th April 2026

North West End UK Rating: