A BRAND new stage production of Edith Nesbit’s classic tale The Railway Children will steam its way into Southampton this autumn.

Published in 1906, the much-loved novel has since been adapted for the stage and screen a number of times, most famously in the 1970 film version directed by Lionel Jeffries, starring Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins, Dinah Sheridan and Sally Thomsett.

This thrilling coming of age story follows the lives of young siblings Roberta, Peter and Phyllis. Their lives are turned upside down when their father mysteriously disappears with two strangers one evening. Forced to leave the comforts of their privileged London life in exchange for a simple existence in the depths of the Yorkshire countryside, this fractured family soon discover new friendships and an unexpected secret that will change their lives forever.

Stewart Wright, a TV regular seen on Doc Martin, Dr Who and The Vicar of Dibley leads the cast as Perks.

Adapted for the stage by Dave Simpson and directed by Paul Jepson, The Railway Children features a video landscape with digital projections. Paul Jepson describes it as a faithful retelling of the story, which he hopes will delight audiences up and down the country.

The production will come to Mayflower Theatre from October 12 to 15. Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk