Archive · 24 Jul 2025
New 'Railway Children' Play Uses Real Steam Train
The Railway Children is now a special play!
You get to ride a real steam train from Keighley, just like in the old movie.
The actors put on the play in the train and in a big shed.
It's like being in the story!
Some people loved it, saying it was magical and exciting.
The actors are great, especially the kids.
They changed the family in the story to be Anglo-Indian, which means they have a mix of British and Indian background, but one person thought this part could have been done better.
Overall, it's a fun show with beautiful costumes and music.
An immersive production of "The Railway Children" uses a real steam train and the Keighley & Worth Valley line.
The performance, part of Bradford's UK City of Culture year, includes a 30-minute train ride to Oakworth and Oxenhope.
The play features the 1887 locomotive used in the 1970 film adaptation.
Critics praise the storytelling, adaptation, and set design, with one calling it a wholesome triumph.
One review noted the siblings are portrayed as Anglo-Indian, though the change was perceived as lacking depth initially.
- Who
- The play features a large cast, including actors playing the children Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis.
- What
- An immersive production of "The Railway Children".
- When
- The production premiered in 2008.
- Where
- Keighley & Worth Valley line, Oakworth, and Oxenhope.
- Why
- To provide an immersive and magical theater experience.
Positive Reviews
Mixed Review
Overall Experience
Positive Reviews
Praise for the storytelling, adaptation, and set design, with one review calling it a wholesome triumph.
Mixed Review
A review that initially found the storytelling tame and the emotional temperature tepid.
Character Portrayal
Positive Reviews
The deployment of the large cast, and the actors' performances as excellent, including the children.
Mixed Review
The performance of the siblings as Anglo-Indian was seen as somewhat lacking depth.
- Play Title
- "The Railway Children"
- Adaptation
- Mike Kenny
- Director
- Damian Cruden
- Main Location
- Oakworth
- Train Line
- Keighley & Worth Valley
- Locomotive
- Built in 1887