The problem for Theatre Directors is that so many people remember the Lionel Jeffries film that touched their hearts. Phoenix Youth Theatre’s ‘Railway Children’ is an equally delightful telling of Nesbit’s story.

The pathos worked because it wasn’t overplayed. The playing of the leading characters was compelling from the opening lines, with young actors demonstrating dramatic power beyond their years.

I cannot name everyone but that should not detract from the satisfaction that the whole ensemble should take from this evening’s performance.

We were particularly struck by the acting that continued in mime by the ‘other’ characters during ‘crowd scenes’. Which brings me to the point that there are no such things as ‘small’ parts and when actors with few lines manage to create rounded characters from their fleeting opportunities then it keeps the whole production in balance and the true value of any character is seen. My point was made by Harriet Storey (‘Mrs Perks’ the stationmaster’s wife) in her ‘Perk’s birthday party’ scene. Most delightfully played, ‘Mrs Perks’ was a stand-out character. Mr Perks was played by Ruben Richardson with just enough in his accent to convince us that he was from the Yorkshire Pennines. Similarly with Leo Mudie Jones, the Russian refugee whose opening foreign language lines rang true.

And so through the whole cast, properly rounded characters played with strength and assurance. Which brings us to the Railway Children themselves. The trio of Lucy Roberts (playing Phyllis), Maggie Hearne (‘Bobbie’) and Ollie O’Neill (‘Peter’) hold the whole thing together; if they fail the play doesn’t work. I am saying ecstatically that they most certainly triumphed.

The sibling interplay was beautifully realised and the pace of their delivery, projection, stage awareness and expressions were faultless. Holly Manning, playing their mother with an air of tristesse and elegance like a young Ingrid Bergman needed no histrionics to hold our attention.

This play was a delight to watch. Congratulations to Director Sarah O’Neill and her team and to all you PYT Railway Children for a thoroughly professional production.

Brian JacksonSee this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.