Review of The Railway Children at The Brewhouse

This heart-warming tale tells the story of family who move to Somerset when their father is wrongly accused of being a spy and sent to prison. This high energy musical begins and ends at Christmas, so it is a great way to start the festive season.

Bobbie, played by Hannah Morrison (who last year play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz), is a character worth paying attention to – she finds her voice and brings everyone together, she never looses hope.

Talking of strong characters, the children’s mother, played by Kathryn Shenton, is a great role model to her children, taking in Szczepanksy when he is sick and helping her daughter protest against her father’s imprisonment.

Perks, the station master, played by Phil Sealey, was a jolly character, a great narrator and managed to fill in the gaps for the audience.

Peter and Phyllis (Bobbie’s siblings) played by Adam Dawson and Celia Cruwys-Finnigan, added elements of comedy to the show and kept everyone engaged, with small gags such as Phyllis’ boot lace.

There is a wonderful moment when Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter became friends with the children from Somerset and sand ‘posh talk’, a brilliant song all about coming together despite their differences.

I must also mention the Youth Ensemble, these young children were a brilliant asset to the show and every moment, song and movement was perfectly timed.

The Old Gentlemen, played by David Martin, who the children ask for help when their mother falls ill represented the importance of helping, even if you don’t always receive something in return.

Togetherness, resilience and striving for justice were prominent themes and the show made me understand the importance of spending time with your loved ones over Christmas. Particularly the finale in which everyone comes together to celebrate…. well, I’m not going to ruin it for you, am I?

The Railway Children runs until December 30. To book visit thebrewhouse.net