THE RAILWAY CHILDREN review, Theatre at the Tabard, Chiswick until 3 January 2026

‘the famous set piece will not disappoint’ ★★★★★

In pre-Beeching, pre-First World War England, the railways ruled. They often feature in the literature of the period, perhaps most famously in E Nesbit’s The Railway Children (1906), later made into a much-loved film (1970). The railway in the story is a source of danger but also a beacon of hope. Most of all, it is an object of wonder and fascination for the children.

The Tabard is on quite a run of great family Christmas productions. After adapting Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen last year, the team of Louise Haddington (adaptor) and Simon Reilly (director) return to Edwardian England, echoing previous seasonal productions at the theatre of The Secret Garden and Five Children and It. The production values are fantastic, Rob Miles’ sets evoking the remote location and, most importantly, Oakworth railway station; and the costumes (Alice McNicholas) are convincing period attire.

In the story three children and their mother are forced to move to a small village because their father is away (we find out why later). They spend their days exploring around the local railway line and at the station, which is run by kindly Mr Perks. They inevitably get into all sorts of mischief.  

The cast are excellent. Jay Olpin excels as station master Perks, who is at the emotional core of the story, helping the children adapt to their new environment whilst always making sure the railway runs on time. Christopher Laishley does a brilliant job in a variety of roles. And the actors playing the three children (Emma Rowe, Max Pascoe, and Anya Burlton) capture the fun and the journeys that the young characters are on.

A lot happens in the play, and perhaps it was not necessary to cover quite so many events in the second act, but it maintains a good pace throughout, and the famous set piece will not disappoint. And my children (now 11 and 13), who join me for Christmas reviews, really enjoyed the production too, which is aways the most important thing. 

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN based on the book by E Nesbit, adapted by Louise Haddington. Directed by Simon Reilly.

Produced by Take Note Theatre Ltd

Playing at Theatre at The Tabard 5 December 2025 - 3 January 2026 https://tabard.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173666043/events/428721356

The Cast       

Bobbie  Emma Rowe     

Peter  Max Pascoe     

Phyllis  Anya Burlton     

Perks  Jap Olpin     

Mother  Kirsten Shaw   

Old Gentleman  Christopher Laishley 

The Creatives 

Writer | Louise Haddington 

Director | Simon Reilly 

Set Design | Rob Miles

Costume Design | Alice McNicholas

Lighting Design | Nat Green

Sound Design | Nick Gilbert 

Photographer: Matt Hunter