On Saturday Florence and I took two of our new friends to London to see The Railway Children at the amazing purpose built theatre near Kings Cross station. The theatre itself is in fact a replica station and very exciting on its won without even seeing the show and having been before (twice) we were super excited to see what our pals thought. The first time Florence and I saw the show was on opening night and we thought it was simply wonderful. It was a late one and with school the next day Florence had to work very hard at keeping her eyes open on the way home but had no problem keeping the adrenalin going while we were watching.
The second visit was a little more special because we got to take Jimmy with us and he too thought it was absolutely amazing even though again it was a very late night and at such a young age he coped tremendously. The thing about this show is that you can’t stop looking, not for a second. It almost wears you out just sitting in the audience because so much is happening all of the time and although the set is fairly minimal, in some kind of wonderful twist the set designers have triumphed because I really think it might be the most clever set we’ve seen.
You are given a platform to sit on and in the middle of each on is, of course, what you would expect in the middle of platforms 1 & 2… A railway track. Down the railway track comes the stage being pushed by stage hands beautifully so that no matter where you are sat you have something to look at all the time. For this third visit we knew full well what to expect but it was fantastic looking at the faces of those who didnt and seeing how amazed they all were. It really is something to behold. And… For this third visit we had an extra special treat because starring in the show as Mr Perks is children’s fave Justin Fletcher as you’ve never seen him before. Children shouted out to him as they took their seats ‘Mr Tumble’, ‘Justin’ and gave him the ‘Hello, hello’ signing wave he is so famous for and not once did he look displeased yet without coming out of his Mr Perks character he entertained them by replying and balancing things on his head.
As you take your seat Justin and the entire cast wander around chatting with the audience, making conversation and as they pass the time of day (in character) you start to get a feel for the show. Then it starts. The story is told by grown up actors playing children looking back on how they became the Railway Children and as they narrate and act the story you become fully immensed in this famous tale. Florence and I know the story well but our companions didn’t yet they had heard the famous line shouted by Bobby at the end ‘Dady, my Daddy’ and as we lived the story withthe actors for two hours, building up to that special moment where many tears were wiped, I saw nothing but happy and enjoying children.
There are so many wonderful things about this show including the abslute show stopper of the real steam engine which chuggs onto the platform, the amazing tunnel scene (the most clever piece of theatre ever) and the dear story which leaves your heart feeling warm but there’s something extra special about Justin Fletcher being in it. I’ve met Justin before when I interviewed him about his Mr Tumble toy range and I found him to be such a genuine, lovely chap. Meeting him for a second time proved how kind he is as he made his way around the press and bloggers in attendance chatting and wanting to get to know everyone. He had limited time before the next show to have a break but didn’t just look happy to be there, he let us know he genuinely was.
I asked Justin about the show and he said it was a massive departure for him but one which he has thoroughly enjoyed. he’s not done anything like this since leaving drama school and has loved every second which is why he has extended his stay in the run for another fortnight. After that he will be in panto but would love to do more live theatre of this ilk in the future and good for that I say as he was simply marvellous. Will he be leaving CBeebies behind him I asked with doubts as to how my children might take the answer if it was yes but he reassured me that CBeebies is his home and he has no plans to leave it behind him just yet.
Good for Justin and good for the show. We loved it even more with him in it and can’t wait to see what he does next.
The Railway Children is taking bookings until the 8th of Januarybut you can only catch Justin until the 19th November so make sure you get in quick. Ticket prices are £25.00-£49.50, with 25% off for Under 16s (Premium Seats available at £59.50) From 31 October 2016, 5,000 tickets are available from £10 at select performances, with 25% off for Under 16s. The show lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes including a 20 minute interval and you can book by calling the Box Office on 0844 815 7121 or visiting https://www.railwaychildrenlondon.com/.
We had such a good time and meeting Justin was the icing on the cake! Afterwards we took a trip to the famous Kings Cross swimming ponds which might not have been one to do on such a cold day but hey, it was an experience and after The Railway Children with Justin nothing could have topped it anyway. Here are some pictures from our fun day out with friends!
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