Helmsley Arts Centre, one of Yorkshire's loveliest and most intimate arts venues, has dispensed with a traditional pantomime this year. Instead resident stalwarts the 1812 Theatre Company, ably assisted by the 1812 Youth Theatre, are presenting a heart-warming adaptation of E Nesbit's classic story The Railway Children.

The Railway Children is, as director David Goodwin muses in his programme notes, a "big ask".

It makes many demands of a large and predominantly youthful cast, not least the need to live up to the much-loved Jenny Agutter/Bernard Cribbins film and to recreate on stage the very particular atmosphere of a northern railway station at the turn of the last century.

I am delighted to report that this charming production, directed with a light yet perceptive touch by Goodwin, meets these demands.

The enthusiastic cast, led with panache by Richard Noakes as stationmaster Perks (who also acts as the narrator), rose to the occasion admirably against the backdrop of an imaginative set.

There were perhaps inevitably some first-night nerves last night, but these were overcome by an excellent display of team spirit.

The children stole the show, as they should. The performances of Muireann Price, Charles Bailey and Hannah Moody, as Bobby, Peter and Phyllis respectively, were exemplary and they were superbly complemented by Lawrence Carlile and Anna Clay as John and Edith Perks. On this evidence, there is a wealth of talent in the 1812 Youth Theatre.

This enchanting show, which runs until Saturday night, tells the timeless story of bravery in adversity and the triumph of good over evil, with precision and love. Don't miss it.

The Railway Children, Helmsley Arts Centre, until December 11. Box office: 01439 771700

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, December 09, 2004