Mark-Anthony Turnage and Rachael Hewer have successfully reimagined E Nesbit's classic novel 'The Railway Children' into an opera that has won over both old fans and new audiences.
In their 1980s-set adaptation, the authors cleverly shook off the nostalgia cloud that surrounds the book's pages. The fast-paced and suspenseful storyline is reminiscent of a John le Carré meets Famous Five vibe, perfectly mirrored by Stephen Langridge's nimble production. The versatile set design, skillfully lit by Mark Jonathan, effortlessly shifts between government office to railway station in a twinkling of an eye.
The costumes are a delightful blend of Cold-War chic and 1980s baggy styles, complemented by props such as a Rubik's Cube that add to the show's visual appeal. The cast, particularly Jessica Cale, Matthew McKinney, and Henna Mun, deliver strong performances as the three Railway Children.
The supporting cast, including Rachael Lloyd and Edward Hawkins as Cathy and David Perks, bring an endearing yet authentic portrayal of the parents who are whistleblowers in their own right. Gavan Ring's Mr Perks is both charming and believable, lending an air of authority to Sir Tommy Crawshaw's role.
However, it's Mark-Anthony Turnage's energetic score that steals the show, skillfully weaving together train noises as a metaphor for emotional tension. The music, coupled with Tim Anderson's expert direction, brings out the best in 'The Railway Children', making this opera an effortless addition to the operatic canon.
While not without its imperfections, the production is undoubtedly commendable and has captured the hearts of both old and new fans alike.
In their 1980s-set adaptation, the authors cleverly shook off the nostalgia cloud that surrounds the book's pages. The fast-paced and suspenseful storyline is reminiscent of a John le Carré meets Famous Five vibe, perfectly mirrored by Stephen Langridge's nimble production. The versatile set design, skillfully lit by Mark Jonathan, effortlessly shifts between government office to railway station in a twinkling of an eye.
The costumes are a delightful blend of Cold-War chic and 1980s baggy styles, complemented by props such as a Rubik's Cube that add to the show's visual appeal. The cast, particularly Jessica Cale, Matthew McKinney, and Henna Mun, deliver strong performances as the three Railway Children.
The supporting cast, including Rachael Lloyd and Edward Hawkins as Cathy and David Perks, bring an endearing yet authentic portrayal of the parents who are whistleblowers in their own right. Gavan Ring's Mr Perks is both charming and believable, lending an air of authority to Sir Tommy Crawshaw's role.
However, it's Mark-Anthony Turnage's energetic score that steals the show, skillfully weaving together train noises as a metaphor for emotional tension. The music, coupled with Tim Anderson's expert direction, brings out the best in 'The Railway Children', making this opera an effortless addition to the operatic canon.
While not without its imperfections, the production is undoubtedly commendable and has captured the hearts of both old and new fans alike.
It's like they took the classic tale and gave it a cool 80s makeover 
. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to see train noises as an emotional tension thingy 
? But what I loved most was how the set design just transported you from one place to another - government office to railway station, it was like magic 
. The cast was also super talented, especially Jessica Cale and Matthew McKinney, they really brought the Railway Children to life 
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. I mean, taking a classic like that and turning it into an edgy thriller with John le Carré vibes? Game-changer! 
The way they incorporated train noises as emotional tension in the music? Pure magic 
. The cast is solid, but what really gets me is how Turnage's score brings it all together - no wonder it won over both old and new fans! 
However, I think they could've done better with the costumes, those baggy 80s styles are a bit too on-the-nose 
. Still, an overall great production that's definitely worth checking out 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a Famous Five meets John le Carré storyline on stage? And let's be real, that set design is giving me major throwback feels 
. Overall, this opera is a triumph and I'm so here for it 
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, it feels like you're right there on the train with the Railway Children! The cast's performances are top-notch too, especially Jessica Cale as the eldest child - she totally steals the show 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good Rubik's Cube prop? 
It all comes together to create this truly unforgettable experience. I'm defo adding this to my 'must-see' list ASAP! 
and I gotta say, it was really good! The story is super engaging, with lots of twists and turns - kinda like a spy thriller meets kid's adventure 
. The sets and costumes are also really cool, I loved how they mixed old-school Cold War vibes with 80s fashion 
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. It's like he took all the emotions of being a kid and turned them into this beautiful, pulsing sound.
. I love how Mark-Anthony Turnage's score really brought out the emotions in the story. It was like you could feel the tension building as those trains chugged along 
. The casting was spot on and the whole production just came together so beautifully... can't wait for my next show outing 
. The cast, set design, and lighting all come together to create this incredible world that transported me to 1980s Britain 
And the cast, oh my goodness, Jessica Cale and Matthew McKinney are absolutely phenomenal as Bobsey and David. They bring such depth and nuance to their characters. But what really gets me is how the production stays true to the original story while still making it feel fresh and new. It's like a breath of fresh air! 
I'm totally sold on this opera, can't wait to see more shows like it!
It sounds like the set design and costumes are on point too 
But I gotta admit, the music does sound pretty cool. Maybe it's just my old brain not being able to keep up with all this new-fangled opera stuff... 
Still, if you like that sorta thing, go for it!