With a rehearsal period fraught with challenges, director Wendy Groves and the Exmouth Players did exceptionally well to bring their production of The Railway Children to the stage at the Blackmore Theatre last week.

Based on the novel by E Nesbit, and adapted for the stage by Mike Kenny, the story has seen many screen adaptations and has proved to be a time-honoured favourite over the years.

As the audience settled down an intriguing array of suitably attired cast gathered in the aisles awaiting the train. The curtains opened to a bustle of activity at the station and the Porter cleverly made the required 'front of house' safety announcements.

We were quickly introduced to the 'family' and as the story unfolded the 'children' kept the audience abreast of all the goings-on. This was a large cast, and everyone pitched in to support the principals with some doubling up in cameo roles.

Paul Turner was excellent as the London Porter switching easily to Yorkshire as Mr Perks and Roz Ford had great expressions as his long-suffering wife, with some delightful actual children! James Cotter was perfectly measured as the Official and the Doctor, and Paul Baxter made a believable Russian exile and Butler.

David Cleaton was endearing as the Old Gentleman whose help the 'children' enlisted and who went on to save the day, as was Aava Jeffery as his grandson Jim, also doubling as the Policeman.

Rosie Lapwood made a kind, protective but firm Mother in an interesting wig, and Jools Head a believable Father.

Of course the 'children' stole the show! As Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis, Leila Ellis, James Phillips and Emily Fletcher were just perfect, never missing a beat!

The set was cleverly thought out with portable raised platforms which were moved stealthily around by the backstage crew, suitably attired in dungarees and flat caps, representing the various scenes and of course the train!

The costumes and props were excellent and of the period – there were some wonderful suitcases! Sound and lighting complemented the action with terrific steam train effects. Well done everyone aboard The Railway Children train!
 
‘Tricia Barclay