The Stage

The Railway Children

Published Friday 16 December 2005 at 17:40 by Lisa Whitbread

This year’s production is as much a musical as it is a Christmas show, with some fantastic vocals from a well chosen cast.

All the traditional elements of the original novel remain in the production, with some fine costumes and a real sense of period performance.

Emily Bull as Bobbie is an accomplished young performer upon whom much of the action hinges. Her powerful singing and depth of character is evident, making her a pleasure to watch. Chris Crompton plays an excellent Peter, deadpan and grumpy, giving rise to some humour. Rachel Bartholomeusz (shared role with Lucy Brushett) completes the trio as little Phyllis, sweet and optimistic but confident and mature.

Susannah Fellows plays the children’s mother, bringing the West End to Sevenoaks with her powerful voice. Talented Nicholas Smith is noble and gentle as the Old Gentleman and Paul Henry sets the pace as an assured and endearing Perks.

Local children as villagers and children to Perks are well-directed and confident performers and the supporting cast show off their excellent musical theatre talents.

Many of the creative team of 2004 returns this year and the Playhouse is beginning to show its own distinctive style for a Christmas show. Julian Woolford directs, adapts and provides some fine lyrics to Richard John’s original music. The unique ballads, chorus numbers and up-tempo pieces certainly boost the production.

This is a show with an adult edge tapping neatly into the period of the time. Performances are strong and insightful and the music powerful and uplifting. The Playhouse has chosen well with this distinctly Kentish story in this its tenth anniversary year.