Just the Ticket

Taking the kids to the theatre might have seemed like a lofty aspiration (akin to sleeping past 6 am). But kids grow up, and though it can be bittersweet, there are benefits. 

Celebrate the dawn of a new age (with kids roughly five and up) by taking them to a don’t-miss production of The Railway Children, a new and notable show hitting the Toronto theatre scene. The story (first published in the early 1900’s) was first made into a film in the 70’s and since 2005, has been an award-winning play in the UK.

The Railway Children follows three young siblings—Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis—as they cope with the changes in their life that led them to reside near a railway. A storyline that involves Russian exiles, poverty, and possible espionage may not seem likely to capture the attention of kids, but the well-acted, well-told and well-designed production will captivate most. The contrast of the era in which the story takes place (early 1900’s) won’t be lost on them, nor will its entertaining delivery of the key messages—loyalty, love, doing right by others, and appreciating the simpler pleasures.

The real star of the show and what will stop the kids in their tracks, is the vintage steam train that runs through the centre of the stage at several points throughout the play. The theatre for this railway-centric production was purposely built at Roundhouse Park (near the Steamwhistle Brewery, across from the Rogers Centre and the Air Canada Centre), home to the Toronto Railway Historical Association.

If you go, go early. Kids will enjoy looking around at the trains near the entrance, including the one used throughout the play, and the popcorn and snacks sold on-site will help keep hunger at bay (at least until intermission). Little ones who are fans of Thomas the Train will be too young to sit through the performance, but the short video on the show website may give them a thrill and a taste of the action.

There aren’t any cartoon characters, you can’t pause the show for a potty break, and the only voices allowed during the two-plus hour performance are those of the paid actors. But if you think they are ready, and you’ve been waiting to bring the kids to something new and special this spring, take a ride (on the TTC) down to see The Railway Children. Tested by Alison R., Toronto

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