This new musical by Julian Woolford and Richard John recounts the adventures of three children over one summer when they have to move to the country as their father is wrongfully arrested. It  features heartfelt ballads, stirring choral numbers and tuneful melodies.

Our cast of 47 (and our audiences!) really enjoyed this show which has something for everyone.

Photos

from the technical rehearsal. Click on a thumbnail to see the full picture

Photographs courtesy of Bill Penny
(except photographs 4, 10, 14, 19 and 22 from Boot Ellis)

Reactions from the audience (received by email)

“I cried in both halves and not just at “Daddy, my daddy!” Bobby was soooooooooo good. Phyllis was “such a darling.” Perks and the Old Gentleman just as they should be. Mother was emotionally mature and sang so well. All the children in Posh Talk were assured, confident and acting their socks off.”

“It was great. I loved the big end to the first half where the children stop the train. The music, shouting, waving and train noise all built up the excitement excellently. What a great success!”

“Not sure what we were impressed with more – the children, costumes, music and singing or the train coming through the tunnel. The work leading up to and behind the scenes is unseen but without it, it wouldn’t be such a professional production. Well done to all involved.”

“The acting, singing, choreography, music, costumes and scenery, were all superb. The three main children’s characters gave a performance worthy of professionals. They were so natural and didn’t put a foot wrong all evening. Completely endearing. It could have been a West End show. Even the programme was beautifully presented.”

More about the show:

• The story of The Railway Children
• The Railway Children – list of characters
• The Railway Children – scenes and songs

SMASH celebrated its 21st birthday in 2009.

SMASH HITS 21 took to the boards at Solihull Methodist Church Hall for three performances in March 2009. We were pleased to welcome back SMASHers who have moved away – not only to see the show but several to take part in it, travelling long distances to the rehearsals.

The cast of over 50 followed SMASH’s journey – through song and music – from the first ever SMASH production (Follow the Star) to 2010’s production (The Railway Children).

The show contained items which our audiences have particularly enjoyed. So yes! there was “Counting sheep” with its famous dancing shepherds from Born for Us All.

As well as other classics from Born for Us All, there were songs from Whistle Down The Wind, Goodnight Mister Tom, Children of Eden and Just So — to name but a few.

Photographs of some of the items in the show

Photographs courtesy of Bill Penny

Reactions from the audience (by email)

“Where else in modern society do young and not so young meet and have fun on such equal terms?”

“I enjoyed the show.  Nice of the “oldies” to reprise some of their roles, but the future definitely belongs to the youngsters, some of whom have tremendous potential.”

“Born for us all sent a very special tingle down my spine.  To think that that whole musical was completely self produced is AWESOME!”

“We just wanted to congratulate you on a great show, and to thank you for the wonderful experience that our daughter has been able to share in. The look on her face after the shows was one of sheer joy, and excitement. As well as having fun, and making lots of new friends the experience has been something that has developed her as a young person, working in a team with people of all ages.”