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The Railway Children, Poulner Players, Poulner Church Hall, Ringwood

THE fact that Edith Nesbit’s story is well-loved both as a book and two films is, I think, a double-edged sword when it comes to recreating it on stage. However, Sally Whyte’s delightful semi-round production proves more than strong enough to stand in its own right.

Edwardian Yorkshire, and the railway in particular, is depicted by the clever use of scaffolding and period props, plus excellent costumes. And boys, both young and not so young, will, I’m sure, love the signal and the small model train that runs around the edge of the set from time to time.

Whilst the songs are pleasant enough, it is the strength of the story that makes the show, and it is well told by the company. Steven Reynolds is superb as station master Mr Perks and there are lovely characterisations too from Rita McDermott (Mrs Perks), Jackie Reynolds (Mother) and Bernie Langosz (Mr Szczepansky). It is, of course, the children who have the most to do, and they do it brilliantly. Hannah Adeney (Roberta), Max Silver (Peter) and Connie Sampson (Phyllis) give strong, confident and moving performances and the six who play the Perks offspring are also a delight.    

Linda Kirkman 

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