Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Immersive Railway Children Revival Premieres in Bradford
The Railway Children is a new play that's like stepping into the classic movie!
It starts with a train ride on the same railway used in the film.
The actors tell the story of the children in the book, with a big cast, and amazing sets.
It's designed to make you feel like you're right there with them.
Some people loved it from the start, while others thought the beginning was a bit slow.
But everyone agrees that it gets better and becomes quite touching by the end, with a joyful reunion.
The Railway Children is an immersive and magical new performance.
The production uses the actual railway from the 1970 film adaptation.
Audiences board a steam train for a journey along the Keighley & Worth Valley line.
The play features a large cast and is praised for its storytelling and design.
Some critics found the initial storytelling a bit tame but the production improved.
- Who
- The performance features a large cast, including actors playing the children.
- What
- A new, immersive theatrical performance of The Railway Children.
- When
- The performance is part of Bradford's UK City of Culture year.
- Where
- Performed on the Keighley & Worth Valley line, with locations like Oakworth and Oxenhope.
- Why
- To bring the classic story to life in an immersive and magical way.
Mixed Initial Reception
Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews
Initial Storytelling
Mixed Initial Reception
Some critics found the initial storytelling slow and the emotional impact tepid.
Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews
Other critics found the storytelling spirited and the production a triumph.
Cultural Representation
Mixed Initial Reception
The attempt to make the siblings Anglo-Indian felt cosmetic and not fully realized.
Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews
No opposing view mentioned in the articles.
- Based on
- E. Nesbit's book
- Includes
- A real steam train
- Film Location
- Oakworth
- Director
- Damian Cruden
- Adaptation by
- Mike Kenny