Former EastEnders star Shaun Williamson will take over the role of Mr Perks in the hit stage adaptation of The Railway Children as the show prepares to celebrate its first anniversary at the King’s Cross Theatre later this week.
Williamson, who is best known for playing Barry in the BBC soap as well as his roles in Ricky Gervais’ comedy series Extras and Life’s Too Short, will join the family production from 16 January.
The Olivier Award-winning show welcomes Williamson alongside new cast members Sophie Ablett, Beth Lilly and Laurence Olivier Bursary recipient Matt Jessup, who will play the three children at the heart of E Nesbit’s popular tale. Lindsay Allen, who is currently appearing in the show’s ensemble, will take up a new role as Williamson’s on-stage spouse Mrs Perks.
The quintet of performers will appear alongside current cast members including Caroline Harker, Peter Gardiner, Mark Hawkins, Connie Hyde, Blair Plant and Moray Treadwell.
Based on the children’s classic novel, The Railway Children tells the story of Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter as their father mysteriously disappears and they move with their mother to rural Yorkshire. There they meet stationmaster Mr Perks and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure.
Following successful runs elsewhere in the capital, the family show celebrates its first anniversary at the King’s Cross Theatre, a purpose-built space that it shares with musical hit In The Heights, on 14 January.
But there is another anniversary for the much-loved hit to celebrate this year as 2016 also marks the 100th anniversary of the novel’s publication.
The Railway Children, which since its 2010 premiere has raised an incredible £335,000 for homeless and runaway children by donating one pound from every ticket sold to the Railway Children Charity, has become famous for its use of a live steam train in bringing the classic tale to life.
The production is currently booking at the King’s Cross Theatre until 10 April. You can book tickets for the show through us or, for performances until 12 February, through our discount ticket promotion Get Into London Theatre.