PRODUCTION PHOTOS BY DAISY MACKAY
Harrodian Prep's production of The Railway Children transported us enchantingly back to the Edwardian steam age. Our special pupil reviewers team of 13s, Elizabeth and Olivia were both enthralled and entertained.
The Railway Children was an incredible recreation of E. Nesbitt's novel, performed by the Prep School. The audience was immediately enthralled by the outstanding cast who walked us through the themes of poverty, the absence of loved relatives, but also friendship, courage and amazing humour.
The set was enhanced with a dynamic background, and an interactive stage in the middle of the audience, in the form of a railway. Dispersed across the stage was an array of carefully placed props which suited the time frame perfectly. The old-fashioned costumes brought the listeners right back to the early 1900s, and the characters’ witty accents left the audience full of laughter. The effects ranged from the familiar sound of train tracks to the mysterious background noise of nature. The use of flashing lights mirrored the tension of the scene and kept the audience in suspense
Dispersed across the stage was an array of carefully placed props which suited the time frame perfectly. The old-fashioned costumes brought the listeners right back to the early 1900s,
Elizabeth and Olivia, Harrodian 13s pupils
The storyline follows the Waterbury family, and the hardships they had to face when losing their money when their father is unexpectedly taken away. They are then forced to move out of London to the Three Chimneys Cottage where they meet the Perks family. During the play the characters form new friendships and encounter countless obstacles, but in the end always figure out how to do the right thing no matter what other people think.
During the play the characters form new friendships and encounter countless obstacles, but in the end always figure out how to do the right thing no matter what other people think.
Throughout the show, the cast did an excellent job of creating a distinction between the different parts of England and their people through exploring amusing expressions and accents. Roberta, one of the main siblings, played by Rose, constantly expressed courage, by standing up for what she thought was right in the moment. She was a loving and relatable character, who won the audience's heart from the beginning. This includes Roberta’s younger brother and sister, Peter and Phyllis, who added their own contradicting sparks of personality. The Perks family were a pure source of humour and comedic banter keeping the audience engaged and constantly involved. 
See all Ms Mackay's production photos in our special gallery
Within the Perks family, we were introduced to the close bonds between the siblings and their supportive relationships with one another. As well as their father, Mr. Perks played by Thomas, who was the most entertaining narrator and had the most flawless accent. Mr. Perks’ character came across as hard working, kind and trustworthy. He was a friend to everyone in the town. Special shoutouts to John, Doctor Forrest, Mr Szczepansky, the Old Gentleman and the District Superintendent, with their charismatic personalities.
Throughout the show, the cast did an excellent job of creating a distinction between the different parts of England and their people through exploring amusing expressions and accents.
It was so much fun and thank you so much to Miss Ibbett. I’m sad that next year I will be too old to be in any more plays directed by her.
Leela 13s pupil and cast member
The cast clearly enjoyed the show as much as we did. 13s pupil, Leela, who played Peter said, 'It was so much fun and thank you so much to Miss Ibbett. I’m sad I will be too old to be in any more plays directed by her.'
Huge credit and many thanks to Miss Ibbett for directing this unforgettable play, and well done to all the cast involved for all their efforts. It truly was a First Class trip!