All aboard! Fall in love with ‘Bob the Railway Dog’ again and again as this trainspotting dog’s story is told with whimsy and heart. (Image: supplied)
By Emily Hutchinson | @em47456
Full disclosure: I am obsessed with dogs.
Last year, I met some fellow actors and heard about their upcoming Fringe show about a dog who rode the rails. Since then, I’ve counted down the days until I could merge my love of theatre and man’s best friend.
Railway Bob is a charming and fascinating tale of the cheeky and shaggy Bob, a koolie who befriended train drivers in the 1800s. Bob became a celebrity as tales of his adventures spread across the bush frontiers. A true nomad, ‘Bob the Drivers’ Dog’ was an original trainspotter; rather than shooing away the awkward ball of love, the drivers adopted him for ten years. Bob’s story is so multi-layered that revealing too much more would diminish the finely-crafted surprises the creators deliver.
Expertly executed by a trio of highly skilled and acclaimed performers, Bob is bought to life through the masterful work of experienced puppeteer, Uma Preston. His story is told through enchanting narration spearheaded by Keith Preston, whose craft as a singer songwriter and comedian keeps the enthralling narrative chugging along. Rounding out the talented trio is the utterly delightful Deborah Baldassi, who creates a truly compelling show through her co-narration and perfectly-mixed keyboard melodies.
The gorgeous keyboard work by Baldassi set the scene for the audience to fall in love with Bob. It is often a risk to employ music in a show, yet thankfully Mr Preston’s interludes add a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It felt as if the audience were both transported through time while somehow being stuck to their seat and nestled in a cosy bar.
Bob’s tale is the perfect balm for the mad world. By the show’s end, Ms Preston’s mastery had me in tears; I had forgotten Bob was a puppet and the real Bob was long gone. Thanks to the three performers, Bob the Railway Dog will live long in the hearts of those who are touched by his endless spirit of adventure.
Catch Railway Bob at 6pm on 14, 15, and 16 March at 6pm.
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