WHAT an amazing and entertaining evening the theatregoers of York were given on Tuesday evening at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, when the New Earswick Musical Society presented The Railway Children – The Musical. It was an absolute delight to be there.

The story of the Railway Children (by E Nesbit) has become part of York’s theatre-land – with that unforgettable production at the National Railway Museum, to be repeated this summer – so fitting, in that the railways, and its people, have long been steeped in the rich history of our beautiful city.

So what made this production different, prompting a sincere recommendation to go along and see the show, which runs until tomorrow?

Over the years the New Earswick Musical Society has earned a reputation for excellence, with many multi-talented productions, delighting audiences of all ages.

It must have been a real challenge for their director and choreographer, Ann McCreadie, and their musical director Don Pears, to take the society on its own journey – presenting an almost unknown musical set around the story of the Railway Children – the music by Richard John, book and lyrics by Julian Woodford.

So many unfamiliar songs to learn, beautifully sung, and, if you add to that the wide range of emotions delightfully captured throughout the story, laughter and tears, the whole show was worthy of a visit. After months of hard work, the acting, singing, costumes, lighting, choreography, all came together in one delightful show.

Well done to everyone who played their part in creating a memorable show and for giving us such a delightful introduction to the Railway Children – The Musical.

Leaving the theatre everyone was smiling, saying how much they had enjoyed it.

Brenda Allison, Aldwark, York.