A MOVING tale of a family forced to leave their home after their father mysteriously disappears, The Railway Children, is coming to the stage.

This year marks the centenary of the publication of E Nesbit's novel The Railway Children and to celebrate, Sevenoaks Playhouse is staging a musical adaptation of the classic tale.

Without their father, the family leave Victorian London for a new life in the Kent countryside.

The discovery of a railway at the end of the garden leads to a number of adventures for Roberta, Peter and Phyllis.

An all-star cast will be treading the boards for this adaptation, with lyrics by Julian Woolford and music by Richard Nesbit.

Paul Henry, best known as Frank in ITV's Bad Girls and Benny in Crossroads will star as the loveable Mr Perks. Nicholas Smith, who plays Mr Rumbold in Are You Being Served? will take the guise of the Old Gentleman and Susannah Fellows from the West End productions of Mamma Mia and Chicago will play Mother.

Joining them on stage will be a host of West End stars including Emily Bull as Bobby, Karen Clegg (Cats), Claire Taylor (Chicago), Maria Holley (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Charles Shirvell (Jekyll & Hyde The Musical), Neil Ditt (The Wind in the Willows) and newcomer Brendan Cull as Jim.

The cast will be supported by teams of children who auditioned at the Playhouse in September.

An education pack and workshops on the production are also available to schools.

For more information, call Matthew Clift on 01732 451548 or email matthew.clift@sevenoaks playhouse.co.uk

The Railway Children, December 3 - 31, tickets from £9 to £18.50. Schools, groups and other concessions are available. For times, call the box office on 01732 450175 or visit sevenoaksplayhouse.co.uk