HOLLYCOMBE Steam in the Country provided a magical backdrop for a series of performances of The Railway Children by Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre and attracted many visitors over a sunny and warm weekend.

The new musical adaptation of Edith Nesbit’s classic tale of adventure, discovery and friendship was performed in the Woodland Gardens below the Victorian and Edwardian Fairground and performances were enhanced by Hollycombe’s own miniature railway, which ran alongside the edge of the set.

Hollycombe trustee Brian Gooding was delighted with the events and told The Herald: “We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from visitors about the weekend.

“The gardens really came alive with the performances of The Railway Children, and it was wonderful to see so many young children spellbound at the production.”

Performers Alicia Newell, who played Roberta, or “Bobbie” – who prevents an impending disaster by flagging down a train with her petticoat after a landslide blocked the line – while her brother and sister implore her to get off the track.

Ted Haynes played Perks the railway guard, and the cast enjoyed the stunning setting of the gardens and the magical open air performance space.

Ted said: “It was great the passing miniature railway sounded its horn and at times it couldn’t have been better judged to link in with the play.”

Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre assistant director Ellie Johnson was also delighted how the cast adapted to its new surroundings.

She said: “For many this was the first time they had performed in the open air, with new challenges such as voice projection and they will all have learnt so much.

“Everyone was buoyed by the reception the audience gave the play.”

Visitors to Hollycombe over the weekend also took the opportunity to meet Victoria the Traction Engine, star of Victoria’s Torton Tales story books, Tricky Nicky the Clown, and enjoyed quiz trails and entertainment staged as part of Hollycombe’s annual Teddy Bear Outing.

For more information about Hollycombe’s opening times after the summer holidays, call (01428) 724900, or log on to www.hollycombe.co.uk