Railway Children

The Bexhill Amateur Theatrical Society were putting initial preparations in place before the first showing of E Nesbit's classic novel on September 21.

Director Peter Bradbury was overseeing a dress rehearsal this week.

He said: "It's a dramatisation of a tremendously well loved story.

"It's all going very well. The children and adults are very talented and have been great fun to work with.

"I think anyone who comes to see it will have a very enjoyable experience."

The play is set in a country railway station about 100 years ago.

Mr Bradbury said the location was not Yorkshire, as in the book, but in an imaginary village somewhere near Bexhill, but he wouldn't say where.

Roberta, Peter and Phyllis with their mother to start a new life after their father's imprisonment has taken away their well-to-do life in London.

They're poorer financially but they have rich experience and adventures opening up before them.

The play includes memorable charcters like station factotum Perks, his numerous children and the old gentleman.

Fifteen cast members were selected from 40 who auditioned.

There will be two sets of Railway Children, with Tessa Carrick, Tom Wood and Tessa Patterson performing in the evening and Ella Wormley-Healing, Ben Smith and Alice Auer for matinee.

Tickets for the play, which runs from September 21 to 23 can be booked by ringing 01424 229111. Pictures: Steve Hunnisett.