FOR any young actor, getting a part in a major touring production is a landmark step in their career.

When that production is based on one of the most popular family stories of all time, the show takes on even more significance.

Callum Goulden will be returning to his native Manchester next week when the Railway Children arrives at the Lowry, Salford Quays, and he acknowledges that the show is something very special.

“It is just such a warm production,” he said. “It’s light, bouncy and fun and that’s how we are playing it. It’s not dark and depressing, it has this warmth to it. At the end it’s like a great big cuddle.”

Based on E Nesbitt’s popular novel about three children leaving London for a new life in the country where they discover a railway line at the end of their garden, Callum plays John Perks son of the station porter.

“My character isn’t that big a presence in the original book,” said Callum. “He’s only really mentioned by name as one of the Perks’ kids but for the stage show he has been given a larger role.”

So what can Callum tell us about John?

“The phrase Jack the Lad has been thrown around a lot,” he laughed. “He’s a bit of a troublemaker but then again he’s in a household with five or six children around at any one time. The Perks’ household is quite a lively one so he has to vie for attention.

“He does cause a bit of trouble at times but he’s a good kid at heart really.

“It is an interesting part to play. There is a story arc that runs through the production with him and he does change through the course of the show as a result of meeting the other children.

“I love comedy so he does have some very funny bits. It’s been really fun to develop the role.”

It wasn’t until the show’s opening night that Callum got the chance to really discover if some of the touches he had brought to the part had paid off.

“We had rehearsals when people were laughing but it’s not until you do the show in front of an audience that can truly get a proper reaction.

“That moment when my first joke landed and the audience was all laughing is something that has really stuck in my mind.”

The show’s week-long run at the Lowry will be particularly special for Callum - he was part of the theatre’s Young Actors programme.

“I started there when I was about 14,” he said. “I’d be at the Lowry every Saturday and we did a show every couple of months, we also did loads of workshops.”

As a result of one of those workshops. Callum was signed with his agents Northern Lights.

“I think about 200 people went and they took two on and I was one of them,” he said.

“This will be my first time going back to the Lowry as a professional. It’s sort of come round full circle and I’m so excited about it.

“The people on this show are so lovely. We are all getting along swimmingly. We have only been together for just over two months so far but it is like a little family going out on the road.”

Callum will stay with the tour until it ends in November.

“I just want to enjoy the show for what it is. I’m going to try and get together some savings because with this job you never really know what’s next. You always need a back-up and for me that’s being a DJ.

“I have worked for for an agency in Manchester for the past two years and done pubs, clubs, weddings and birthdays. You get to meet loads of new people and I’ve played every kind of music.”

But DJ-ing has taken a back seat as Callum’s stage career has taken off.

“I’m just really enjoying my first tour; it’s been a blast so far,” he said.

The Railway Children, the Lowry, Salford Quays, Tuesday, July 25 to Saturday, July 29. Details from 0843 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com