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Friday night at Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio was one of those evenings that reminded me exactly why I fell in love with live theatre in the first place. The Naughty Carriage on the Orphan Train, performed by the hugely talented British Youth Music Theatre, delivered a heartwarming, toe-tapping, and deeply moving musical performance.
This brand-new musical tells the story of the so-called “naughty” children left at the back of the train . Those not picked, not chosen, left waiting for their perfect family to come along. Based on the historic Orphan Train Movement, it really makes you feel what those children must have felt.
At the centre of the production is Champ, played with an infectious energy and raw emotion, and this character was my twelve year old daughters favourite. This production had talent radiating from every single young cast member. Each performer bringing their character vividly to life with great vocals, sharp timing, and this production wouldn’t feel out of place on the main Hippodrome stage. The cast is hugely talented, and there is absolutely no doubt that many of these young stars will be names to watch in years to come.
A special mention must go to the clever staging and choreography, which made full use of the studio space, creating a sense of movement and urgency that suited the train setting perfectly.
The Naughty Carriage on the Orphan Train is a moving production, a celebration of difference, resilience, and the families we choose for ourselves. A richly deserved four stars from us and a huge WELL DONE to a company bursting with future West End talent.