Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of E. Nesbit's classic children's story, with several daily performances and Touch Tours.
The Railway Children runs at Derby Theatre from Friday 27 November 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027, in the Main House at 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter. It's an Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of E. Nesbit's classic, and the story follows siblings Roberta, Peter and Phyllis, who are whisked away from London to a small house beside the railway in rural Derbyshire. From there, it becomes a journey of friendship and discovery, with the railway line running right through the middle of their new lives.
The production is built on imaginative staging, music and storytelling, and it's packed with the kind of unforgettable characters and moments of fun that make the story work. At its heart are themes of family, friends, community and the belief that brighter days are possible even in the hardest of times—a story that's captivated generations in a world of steam trains, adventure and courage. It's billed as a winter treat to enjoy together, with age guidance of 5+ and accessible performances on several dates, including Touch Tours at 1:15pm each day.
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There are plenty of times to choose from across the run: 10:15am, 11:00am, 2:30pm, 3:00pm and 7:15pm, so it works whether you're taking the kids during the day or heading in for an evening show. Tickets are £22.50 to £38, with under-26s getting 10% off. Press Night is Tuesday 1 December, which is pay-what-you-can from £5.
