McKidd to star in BBC’s The Primrose Railway Children
July 11, 2024
BBC Studios Kids and Family productions have announced that Kevin McKidd (Grey’s Anatomy, Six Four) will be starring in the upcoming 1×90’ CBBC special The Primrose Railway Children. 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 popular children’s novel is being bought to life in a 1 x 90’ feature which will be filmed in and around Glasgow, the dramatic Scottish Highlands and heritage railways. The story follows Phoebe, her older sister Becks, older brother Perry and their mum 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.
McKidd will play the father ‘Rob Robinson’ alongside Nina Toussaint-White (Bodyguard, Witness Number 3) who will play his wife ‘Sarah Robinson’. The three children will be played by an exciting trio of emerging British talent including Ava McCarthy as ‘Phoebe’, Ida Brooke as ‘Becks’ and Tylan Bailey as ‘Perry’.
McKidd says: “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. I’m always so proud and happy to come home and work with the brilliant crews and talents that Scotland overflows with. 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.”
Tali Walters, Creative Director at BBC Studios Kids and Family productions says: “BBC Studios Kids and Family productions has enjoyed a close and creative relationship with Jacqueline Wilson for many years and are thrilled to work with Tom Bidwell to bring another of her stories to the screen with such an exciting cast including Kevin and Nina, alongside tremendously exciting new youth talent. 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 UK 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 has been adapted for screen by Tom Bidwell and will be directed by Julian Kemp. International distribution is being handled by BBC Studios.
The show was commissioned by Patricia Hidalgo and Sarah Muller with Anita Burgess as commissioning executive for CBBC 7+ audience and family audience space. The Primrose Railway Children is the latest commission demonstrating the BBC’s commitment to backing homegrown talent that brings families together with high quality productions, showcasing British storytelling that is famous world-wide. Recent commissions include drama Crongton based on Alex Wheatle’s books about growing up in North London; family sitcom featuring Peep Show alumni Robert Webb and Issy Suttie; The Famous Five, High Hoops and fantasy comedy Pickle Storm.
Filming commences imminently.