Summer, 1905. When their father disappears in mysterious circumstances Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis are put on a train and sent to the peace and quiet of the countryside. In a small railway village, they make friends with the locals, discover the thrills of the railway line at the bottom of the garden and solve the mystery of their father’s disappearance…
We were delighted to return to Moseley Park with THE RAILWAY CHILDREN. Mike Kenny’s charming adaptation of Edith Nesbit’s classic wowed audiences when it premiered at the National Railway Museum before transferring to London’s Waterloo Station in 2010. Now, a community cast of local amateurs performed alongside professionals to stamp some Birmingham pride onto this well-loved story of childhood lost, community gained and lots and lots of trains.
This project was made my possible thanks to the Inclusive Communities Fund. With this funding we ran introductory drama workshops for local people, and welcomed a cast of 20 amateur performers to Paperback's park stage for a truly magical community experience.
Audience Feedback
"It was a really fun, creative production, of a very high standard. The community cast were excellent and seemed confident and well-rehearsed. Special praise to the young actors who played the Railway Children with thoughtfulness and lots of energy, very impressive."
"Well done, what great show, we really enjoyed the invention in the storytelling, and the physical ensemble work. It was fantastic to see a group of many ages and backgrounds working together to such a high standard. A testament to the expertise and skill of the company in bringing them to that point."
"What a wonderful community production which told the story with huge wit, charm, creativity and delight. The audience were enthralled and it was a gorgeous show. Massive congratulations to the directors who brought this to life in such a viced way."
Cast Feedback
"Taking part in the Railway Children has given me a welcome feeling of belonging and involvement"
"Paperback Theatre community production of The Railway Children was outstanding. It was the most inclusive, professional and joyful community production I have ever taken part in. Regardless of age, ability or indeed agility, everyone was included and treated with respect. Those that were professionals treated those of who weren't with kindness and respect and were never patronising, in fact the opposite. It was a completely inclusive production and an absolute joy."
“Working with Paperback on The Railway Children has been the best show I’ve ever done. They have made me feel so comfortable and excited to be in rehearsals doing things that I never thought I would do. They have pushed me outside of my comfort zone and are brilliant at what they all do. Thank you for such a brilliant experience on such an amazing show!”
About the Inclusive Communities Fund
Empowering Communities for Positive Change: The Inclusive Communities Fund will support local communities to propose and implement solutions to real issues in their areas, allowing local people to drive positive change. The Fund is a direct result of the budget surplus from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, supporting the lasting positive impact of this major event. It awarded £9million to good causes across the West Midlands by March 2025 to support this legacy.
