WITH all the traditional charm of the original story, the HATS production of "The Railway Children", opening this Thursday, is set to transport audiences back to the turn of the 20th century as we follow the story of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis.

The story by E Nesbit was adapted for stage by Dave Simpson, and is being directed by HATS familiar face - Eve Earles (of Goodnight Mr Tom, Treasure Island and Calendar Girls, to name but a few).

The three children (played by newcomers Felicity Woollams, Alex Lewis and Freya Wilmott) along with their mother (played by Tracey Dawson) experience a huge change in their home life as they move from the City to a country village with it's very own little station, and we follow their plight to fit in with the locals.

Narrated by Station Master, Perks (Paul Dawson), audiences will be captivated by the performances played out by the Railway children themselves, and the rest of the cast (including two sets of Perks' children).

With working steam engine, imaginative set, beautiful costumes and sound and lighting creating the atmosphere director Eve Earles has envisioned, HATS are hoping that this production will be yet another success to add to their ever growing list.

Tickets are still available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/holsworthytheatre or from the Box Office on performance nights.

The performances will be on Thursday, September 3, to Saturday, September 5, in addition to Thursday, September 10, to Saturday, September 12 with performances at 7.30pm with 2.30pm Saturday matinees also performed.

A spokesperson for HATs added that they are also looking for anyone who wishes to join HATS, saying: “If you are interested in joining HATS, there will be an AGM at the theatre on Monday, September 21, at 7.30pm, followed by an introduction to the next pantomime - Rapunzel. New members welcome.”