THE OLIVIER Award-winning production of Mike Kenny’s stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s novel The Railway Children will be returning to York in July 2015 as the York Theatre Royal and National Railway Museum join forces during the theatre’s re-development project.

Tickets have just gone on sale to see the production in a purpose built 1,000-seat theatre tent, complete with a railway track and platforms for a live 60-tonne steam locomotive, and the Old Gentleman’s Saloon from the original classic film.

The last production received national critical acclaim including a five star review in The Guardian in which The Railway Children was described as ‘a triumphant reinvention of a children’s classic’.

Over 24,000 people saw the show and demand for tickets was so high that the last three weeks of the show was completely sold out - leading to calls for the production to be re-staged.

The Railway Children tells the story of how the comfortable lives of three Edwardian children, Bobby, Peter and Phyllis are shattered when their father is arrested on suspicion of betraying state secrets. The children and their mother move from London to a modest cottage near a railway in the Yorkshire countryside. New friendships, adventures and terrifying dangers await. But the mystery remains – where is father, and is he ever coming back?

The Railway Children, also features one of the biggest guest stars ever to take to the stage – the Great Western Pannier Tank 5775, the steam locomotive used in the classic film, which rolls to a majestic halt in front of Bobby as she saves the day and averts disaster.

Jim Lowe, Head of Operations at the National Railway Museum said: "The last production here, back in 2009, was a huge success and we’re looking forward to having this world class show back ‘home’ at the National Railway Museum in July. "

The Railway Children, previews in London on December 16, before re-opening at its original home at the National Railway Museum in York from July 31.

The production, directed once again by York Theatre Royal’s Artistic Director Damian Cruden, will be part of the theatre’s residency at the museum during its £4.1 million re-development.

Chief Executive, Liz Wilson said: "Part of The Railway Children’s popularity is its ability to appeal to a wide audience, as previous sell–out runs in York, Waterloo and Toronto have proved.

"York Theatre Royal and the National Railway Museum are delighted to be bringing the production back and the cast will be announced shortly.

Tickets are priced between £10 and £32.50 and can be bought by calling the Box Office on 01904 623568, securely online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or in person at York Theatre Royal.