A BRAND new stage production of Edith Nesbit’s classic tale, The Railway Children, steams into the county this week.

Adapted for the stage by Dave Simpson and directed by Paul Jepson this Exeter Northcott Theatre and Nick Brooke Ltd show will feature a video landscape with digital projections by designer Timothy Bird.

The production will appear at Malvern’s Festival Theatre from this coming Tuesday, August 22 to Sunday, August 27.

Published in 1906, Edith Nesbit's best-loved classic novel has been adapted for the stage and screen, most famously in the 1970 film version directed by Lionel Jeffries, starring Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan and Sally Thomsett.

This thrilling and heart-warming coming-of-age story follows the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis, whose lives are turned upside down when their father mysteriously disappears with two strangers one evening.

Forced to leave the comforts of their privileged London life in exchange for a simple existence in the depths of the Yorkshire countryside, this fractured family soon discover new friendships and an unexpected secret that will change their lives forever.

Complete with beautiful period costumes and ingenious designs, this new production promises an uplifting theatrical experience for all ages, packed with intrigue, adventure, joy and jubilation.

The cast includes: Stewart Wright (Perks), Joy Brook (Mother), Millie Turner (Roberta), Andrea Davy (Mrs Perks), Katherine Carlton (Phyllis), Neil Salvage (Old Gentleman), Vinay Lad (Peter), Callum Goulden (John) and Andrew Joshi (Father/Doctor).

Paul Jepson says: “I’m delighted to be bringing The Railway Children to variety of wonderful venues across the UK with this fantastic cast. The show will be a faithful retelling of the story and will delight audiences up and down the country.”