Sean Hughes will join the cast of The Railway Children next month, taking over the role of station master Mr Perks in the Olivier Award-winning hit at the King’s Cross Theatre.
The comedian and actor will replace Jeremy Swift, who’s been in the show since its 2014 return to London, from 17 March.
Arguably best known for his comedy appearances on shows including Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Sean’s Show, Hughes has appeared in a range of screen roles in TV series Coronation Street and The Last Detective, and film adaptations of The Commitments and Puckoon. A regular feature on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe, where his hits have included the award-winning A One Night Stand With Sean Hughes and Penguins, Hughes returns to the West End following his performance in 2005’s As You Like It, in which he starred alongside Sienna Miller and Helen McCrory at the Wyndham’s Theatre.
When he takes to the stage of the King’s Cross Theatre in March, Hughes joins a cast including Caroline Harker, Louise Calf, Clare Corbett, Jack Hardwick, Mark Hawkins, Connie Hyde, Andrew Loudon, Serena Manteghi, Blair Plant and Moray Treadwell, plus a 40-strong ensemble of young performers who alternate the child roles.
Staged in a purpose built venue behind King’s Cross Station, The Railway Children uses a real-life steam train and platforms to bring to life E Nesbit’s tale about three children as they move with their mother to rural Yorkshire following their father’s mysterious disappearance. There, they befriend Mr Perks and embark on a journey of discovery, friendship and adventure, but where is their father and is he ever coming back?
Winner of the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment, Mike Kenny’s stage adaptation of the classic tale is currently booking at the King’s Cross Theatre until 6 September.