Mark-Anthony Turnage has breathed new life into E. Nesbit's 1906 classic, 'The Railway Children', reimagining the tale in a vibrant family opera that will captivate both old and young audiences. By transposing the narrative to the 1980s, Turnage has effortlessly shaken off the nostalgic haze surrounding the original work.
Turnage's libretto, penned by Rachael Hewer, is a masterclass in pacing, weaving together the story with a John le Carré-meets-Famous Five energy that propels the audience forward. The production, directed by Stephen Langridge, expertly captures the essence of the text, aided by Nicky Shaw's versatile set and Mark Jonathan's pinpoint lighting.
The ensemble cast delivers strong performances across the board, particularly Jessica Cale as Bobbie, Matthew McKinney as Peter, and Henna Mun as Phyllis. Their portrayals are nuanced and believable, imbuing each character with depth and emotion.
Turnage's score is a sonic powerhouse, with Tim Anderson and the Glyndebourne Sinfonia bringing it to life in an energetic and dynamic display of musicality. The composer's use of motoric effects and train noises creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements the on-stage action.
As the evening progresses, Turnage takes centre stage, delivering a commendable adaptation that cements his position as one of the leading voices in contemporary opera. While 'The Railway Children' may not be as effortlessly polished as some of his previous works, such as 'Festen', it remains an admirable addition to his oeuvre.
In short, Mark-Anthony Turnage's 'The Railway Children' is a triumph, weaving together music, drama, and wit in a captivating family opera that is sure to delight audiences for years to come.
Turnage's libretto, penned by Rachael Hewer, is a masterclass in pacing, weaving together the story with a John le Carré-meets-Famous Five energy that propels the audience forward. The production, directed by Stephen Langridge, expertly captures the essence of the text, aided by Nicky Shaw's versatile set and Mark Jonathan's pinpoint lighting.
The ensemble cast delivers strong performances across the board, particularly Jessica Cale as Bobbie, Matthew McKinney as Peter, and Henna Mun as Phyllis. Their portrayals are nuanced and believable, imbuing each character with depth and emotion.
Turnage's score is a sonic powerhouse, with Tim Anderson and the Glyndebourne Sinfonia bringing it to life in an energetic and dynamic display of musicality. The composer's use of motoric effects and train noises creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements the on-stage action.
As the evening progresses, Turnage takes centre stage, delivering a commendable adaptation that cements his position as one of the leading voices in contemporary opera. While 'The Railway Children' may not be as effortlessly polished as some of his previous works, such as 'Festen', it remains an admirable addition to his oeuvre.
In short, Mark-Anthony Turnage's 'The Railway Children' is a triumph, weaving together music, drama, and wit in a captivating family opera that is sure to delight audiences for years to come.
! I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time, i loved how they reimagined it in a modern setting and made it feel so fresh and new 
. the music was insane, i've been humming the tunes all day 
. and can we talk about the cast? jessica cale as bobbie was EVERYTHING 
. I'm definitely going to see more of mark-anthony turnage's work now, he's def on my radar 
. have u guys seen this production or any other adaptation?
. The cast was also on point, especially Jessica Cale as Bobbie - she completely nailed the character 
I think its so cool how they took this old story and made it feel like something new again 
. The way the music and lights work together is just magic 
. And the cast, oh my gosh, they all do such great jobs of bringing the characters to life 
. I love how Mark-Anthony Turnage was able to make the opera feel fun and energetic at the same time, its not too slow or boring for anyone 
. Im definitely gonna check out more of his work now 
it sounds like a real game changer! love the idea of updating the story to the 80s - gives me chills thinking about how well Mark-Anthony Turnage's music would fit in with the vibe of that era 
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the way he reimagined the story in a vibrant family opera was pure genius! 
and the cast was incredible too, esp Jessica Cale as Bobbie 