The Railway Children - Return Ticket

Quite simply charming is a good way to sum up this brand-new musical, penned by CWAGMS themselves. We were transported back to the fifties with a story that kept all the charm of its inspiration, even featuring a character or two from the better-known production of The Railway Children but with a whole new story to delight us. Even my ticket was in the form of an old-fashioned train ticket as I took my seat waiting for the whistle to blow on this new adventure. It is 1952 and everyone is excited by the upcoming coronation. The station is the heart of the little community and we were treated to the trials and tribulations of the inhabitants as they make their way through their post-war life.

A 3-sided stage had been created complete with railway tracks down the middle and great use was made of the actual stage plus a good section of the hall, again creating quite an immersive experience for the audience. Some simple scene changes meant different locales could be easily portrayed

The musical numbers were very in keeping with the era and the story and the band did a great job. Sound and lighting were mostly behaving themselves and there were some nice sound effects of the station and passing trains.

Costume overall gave a fabulous feel for the 1950s era as did hair and make up so as a whole, the theme was achieved. There were definitely some individual pieces that were not quite accurate but with such a big cast and budgets being the eternal challenge that they are, a good job had been done in creating the overall look and feel.

As mentioned, it was a big cast and everyone looked to be having a great time and as always, it’s fab to see the youth talent working so well alongside the more experienced cast members. All the actors transported us along through the village with the station as its hub of community and gossip, via the drama amongst the women at the factory, the new family taking refuge at Three Chimneys, the new kids trying to settle into the school whilst their well-meaning teacher tries to organise Coronation activities under the beady eye of the headmistress an ever present sneezy vicar! Everyone’s performances hit the right note for this production and the cast were well supported by both an adult and a junior ensemble. The movement was very good especially considering the amount of people to be accommodated.

This was a heartwarming production which spoke to a simpler time (albeit it’s all slightly illusory as anyone who actual lived through the 50s will tell you!!) and we all got a fabulous nostalgia fix. CWAGMS seem to have settled very well into their new home, staging quality productions that seem to be well supported by the local community. And you obviously have some good writing talent within your ranks! I wish you all the very best for your programme in 2026.

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