Press Office
On board for the theatrical event of the year
Bosses at two of the region’s biggest tourist attractions are all steamed up about a new sponsorship deal.
York Theatre Royal and The National Railway Museum (NRM) have teamed up with train operator First TransPennine Express to give Yorkshire children a performance of E Nesbit’s The Railway Children to remember.
The three partners have already launched a children’s poster design competition surrounding the new adaptation of the well-loved children’s classic, with the winner’s work of art set to feature at railway stations along First TransPennine routes.
The competition will be judged by local artist Jake Attree. Jake has been artist in residence at York Theatre Royal and has recently exhibited work in the theatre and across the UK.
First TransPennine have also created special ‘Carriage Crew’ bags for primary school children which will be distributed during workshops at local schools and at a special VIP performance at the NRM on 22 July.
Dan Bates, Chief Executive of York Theatre Royal, said:
“We’re definitely waving our red knickers in the air with pride! We’re so excited that families will not only be able to watch Mike Kenny’s exciting new adaptation of The Railway Children at the NRM, the home of the railway, but can also travel to see the performance by train, seeing our new posters along First TransPennine routes.”
The Railway Children takes place at the NRM from 18 July-23 August and will feature the 39-tonne Stirling Single locomotive. A central part of E Nesbit’s classic story is when Roberta, Peter and Phyllis stop a train to save a boy trapped in a tunnel. In absence of a red flag, they use the girls’ red flannel knickers.
David Crocker, Marketing Manager for First TransPennine Express, added:
"The story of the Railway Children has been loved for years and we’re really excited to have teamed together with York Theatre Royal and the National Railway Museum for what is set to be the theatrical event of the year"
May 2008