The Railway Children

I have seen the film of this production but hadn't until now seen the play. I liked the set very much with the use of a fixed framework used for a variety of scenes. Changes were made by the addition or removal of simple hand props by the performers, and the mood changes by shift in lighting and sound effects

The play starts with the three children (or so we think) who are involved in the story as it unfolds. It is not till near the end that we discover it is their reminisences we are hearing. These three characters superbly played by Megan McCleary as Bobbie, Rebecca Potts as Phyllis, and Gavin Millar as Peter, have a huge slice of the action as they are nearly on stage for the whole show. I cannot praise them highly enough. Their interactions with each other and with the other characters was slick and the whole effect was enthralling.

Jason Reekie as Father and the Doctor was his usual efficient self. He is an excellent actor with good stage presence and along with Joyce Reekie as Mother was a convincing couple. Joyce held the stage when she was on and her switch of emotions during the fall from grace when her husband "goes Away" just goes to show what a good actress she is.

Mr Perks (Brian McArthur), the Station master who befriends the children and his wife Mrs Perks played by Eden Brown made us believe their own family story and the young children Gabby McArthur, Erin Boardman and Logan Blackburn were excellent, who became the young Railway Children at the end. We never know the surname of the children.

Jim Gordon who played the Old Gentleman carried off his part with aplomb. Liz Black as the Cook and Mrs Viney was confident in her part/s as was William Byers who played the multi roles of the Butler, Szezcpansky and Jim. Alison Murdoch was the Superintendant and in the many times I have seen her at The Fullarton always enjoy her performance.

I would come back to see this production again. Well done everyone involved in this production and thank you for your hospitality at Castle Douglas. 

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