We knew that the technical rehearsals for The Railway Children would be long (two weeks to be precise) but thank goodness we have those two weeks!
A brand new theatre has been constructed in the Roundhouse Gardens around the railway tracks at the base of the CN Tower. The high-tech tent with heating and air conditioning has two banks of seating units built around the two platforms either side of the tracks that make up the stage for the show. The sound and lighting designs are state-of-the-art with 3D surround-sound effects and elaborate masking to prevent light from coming into the space when the train enters. And it’s a real-life steam train! All 85 tonnes of it.
I’m very lucky that I get to ride on the train at the end of the show – here’s a picture of me, Laura Schutt (who plays Mrs. Perks) and John Gilbert (the Old Gentleman) when we had a practice run last week. I’m holding baby Perks – one of the cutest props in the show.
Last week we finished teching the show with the adult company – this week we add the kids – all four teams! They look ridiculously cute in their Edwardian costumes. 
They were all incredibly focussed and professional in rehearsals and we’re very excited to be adding them to the dress rehearsals this week.
Below you can see a video I took of the train entering the theatre for the first time with the acting company in the theatre. It was unbelievable thrilling. The show starts previews next Tuesday – you can buy your tickets via the Railway Children website. I strongly advise you to book early to avoid disappointment – this is a show you don’t want to miss.
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Marilla who?
I am a British-born actress and stand-up comic who does lots of voice work (for commercials, cartoons and corporate clients) and sometimes, when I'm very lucky, tv and film. When I was in England I did mostly theatre. Now I'm in Canada I spend the majority of the time writing and performing stand-up. When I'm not making episodes of Talking Bollocks, that is. And that's me for you.