Based on the book by Edith Nesbit, and familiar to many through the 1970 film, The Railway Children has also been made into a musical.

It tells the story of an idyllic Edwardian family Christmas that is interrupted by a knock at the door, when the father is arrested and imprisoned after being falsely accused of selling state secrets to the Russians.

His children Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis and their mother are forced to move to the country, where their run-ins with a distinguished old gentleman and Perks, the station porter, are just the beginning of a summer full of adventures.

The show, being put on by Garden Suburb Theatre, was chosen specially to give the children involved a chance to show off their talents.

Rachel Newman, 11, who goes to Wolfson Hillel Primary School, plays Phyllis.

She says: “Phyllis is quite clumsy. She always trips over her bootlaces. She tries to push her way in between Bobby and Peter, and she never really gets upset.

“Bobby’s very good. She listens to her mother. She takes things seriously and always tries to help people. Peter is a bit angry with things sometimes. But he’s also funny, because he gets his words mixed up.”

Roberta and Peter are being played by pupils from Henrietta Barnett School and Fortismere School.

Director of the show, Debbie Lane, says: “It’s got a lot in common with the book and the film, and some catchy numbers. Whenever I go to rehearsal I go home singing bits from it.”

The Railway Children is on at Henrietta Barnett School Theatre, in Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, from Friday, February 27 until March 7. Start time is 7.30pm on February 27, 28 and March 5 to 7, and 3pm on Saturdays. Sunday, March 1, 3pm only.

Tickets cost £8.50 (concessions £7) and are available from the box office on 020 7723 6609.