[THEARE & PHYSICAL THEATRE/Puppetry ~ SA ~ SA PREMIERE] 

Henry’s Table at Ayers House, Sat 2 Mar, 2024.

The Preston family are at Henry’s Table tonight to present a story that is definitely worth hearing! A story previously unknown to me and probably to most people about a rather remarkable dog who travelled extensively and independently on Australia’s trains in the late 1800s.

Railway Bob is the brainchild of writer and producer Keith Preston. As a fervent researcher of history Keith must have had a Eureka moment when he stumbled on the incredible true story of Railway Bob AKA Bob the Driver’s Dog. Keith has relied heavily on the work done by historian Dr John Wilson, who had collected extensive press clippings from the time for publication in his 2019 book Bob’s Railway. Quotes from these clippings lend the story complete authenticity.

Keith also takes on an impressive acting role as narrator and station guard. More than just Bob’s story, it is the complete picture that he paints of a bygone era that make Keith’s performance so compelling. An age when trains were the major form of transport, stopping in country town after country town, and towns like Petersburg (now Peterborough) were built to service the trains .

Bob has a starring role courtesy of puppeteer Uma Preston, who operates a life-size and surprisingly life-like puppet dog built by Melbourne craftsman Chris van der Craats. Puppet Bob is able to mimic a number of canine behaviours and at one stage goes out to meet and greet with the audience.

There are a small number of original songs in the show, played by Keith on vocals and guitar, and Shivani Preston on keyboards and vocals. Shivani demonstrates extensive cabaret skills in delivering one of the songs, and is otherwise impressive as a second narrator.

This show could potentially have a lifespan longer than Bob himself, as it would be suitable for schools, clubs – anyone with an interest in Australian history or superb storytelling. It’s a low budget show that can’t hope to match the noise and glamour of the larger Fringe shows, but it has an advantage in that if it were to go on the road the entire cast and props would fit into a single car! The program notes suggest the possibility of a film being made about Railway Bob and it would be a treat if that were to happen.

Charming beyond measure.