Former Eastenders star Shaun Williamson will join the cast of The Railway Children at the Kings Cross Theatre from the 16th January it has been announced.
As the show prepares to celebrate its first anniversary at the King’s Cross Theatre in London, Shaun Williamson will be playing Mr Perks from Saturday the 16th January.
Also joining the Olivier winning production from Saturday will be Sophie Ablett as Bobbie, Beth Lilly as Phyllis, Matt Jessup as Peter and Lindsay Allen as Mrs Perks. Sophie Ablett and Beth Lilly are both making their West End debuts with The Railway Children.
The new cast members will be joining Caroline Harker as Mother, Peter Gardiner as Doctor/Butler, Mark Hawkins as Jim/District Super, Connie Hyde as Mrs Viney, Blair Plant as Father/Schepansky, and Moray Treadwell as the Old Gentleman, as well as Helen Brampton, Rebecca Brierley, Timothy George and Daniel Griffin in the production based on E. Nesbit’s classic story.
This production is directed by Damian Cruden (Artistic director of York Theatre Royal) and tells the story of Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis, three children whose lives change dramatically when their father is mysteriously taken away. They move from London to a cottage in rural Yorkshire with their mother, where they befriend the local railway porter, Perks, and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure. But the mystery remains – where is Father, and is he ever coming back?
2016 also marks the 110th anniversary of Edith Nesbit’s book, which has also been adapted for the screen – most famously the 1970 film version starring Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan and Sally Thomsett.
Performances for The Railway Children take place at the 1000 seat theatre, built purposely for the production, complete with a railway line and platforms – as well as the live steam locomotive and vintage carriage.
The Railway Children is currently booking at the King’s Cross Theatre until the 10th April 2016. To book tickets visit: ATG Tickets , Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Last Minute.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.