Kevin McKidd (Grey’s Anatomy, Six Four) will be starring in the 90-minute CBBC special The Primrose Railway Children on BBC kids channel CBBC Adapted by Tom Bidwell (The Velveteen Rabbit, The Irregulars) the feature-length family drama is based on Jacqueline Wilson’s novel of the same name, which is a modern reimagining of E. Nesbit’s classic The Railway Children.
The project will be filmed in and around Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, and around heritage railways, BBC Studios Kids and Family Productions said on Thursday.
The story follows Phoebe, her older sister Becks, older brother Perry and their mother who are living a comfortable life in Glasgow when suddenly they are uprooted from their lives and moved to the remote highlands of Scotland. “A story about growing up, being displaced, and finding your way in a community that seems alien, The Primrose Railway Children is set to become essential family viewing,” BBC Studios said.
McKidd will play the father Rob Robinson alongside Nina Toussaint-White (Bodyguard, The Feed,Witness Number 3) who will play his wife Sarah Robinson. The three children will be played by emerging British talent: Ava McCarthy will star as Phoebe, Ida Brooke will play Becks, and Tylan Bailey will portray Perry.
“Reading Tom’s brilliant script was a real joy, it captures the spirit and emotion of the original The Railway Children, a film that I loved as a child, so it was an easy decision to come back and film this in Scotland,” said McKidd. “I can’t wait to step into the character of Rob and retell this reimagined British classic story alongside such an exciting cast. It will be a cinematic treat for the family.”
Said Tali Walters, creative director at BBC Studios Kids and Family Productions: “We are proud to be making this dramatic and ambitious production in Scotland with all it offers in terms of locations and talent, and very much looking forward to sharing it with families across the U.K. and around the world.”
The Primrose Railway Children is made by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions with Walters as creative lead, Alison Davis as executive producer and John McKay as producer. The feature will be directed by Julian Kemp. International distribution is being handled by BBC Studios. Filming is set to star this month.
