The Titfield Thunderbolt

When this company puts on a play, it is not just a performance but a complete experience. From the time you entered the building to the time you exited the front doors you were totally immersed in the pre-Beeching days of steam. The music, setting and atmosphere made you feel nostalgic for the old steam engines. A real sense of anticipation rippled through the audience as they stood for the National Anthem and the action began. The story focuses on a group of villagers, who, finding their branch line is about to be axed, decide to buy and run the railway themselves. The prime movers are Lady Edna Chesterfield ( Lynda Parker) and the vicar(Dan Jeffs). These characters were so realistic. Their diction and their body language was superb especially their hand actions and their use of pause. But their plans are thwarted by the Crumps, father and son, ably portrayed by David Norster and Roger Minors, who see the closure of the railway as a way of making money. They can provide the alternative means of transport for all the train’s passengers. The antics between the two factions creates much fun and laughter. Add to this an inspection by Mr. Ruddock, from the Ministry of Transport,(Peter Renwick) who Lady C states “ is not a man of action......he’s a local government officer” and the hilarity continues. Every member of the company contributed to the quality and success of this production from the set designers who built Lady C’s magnificent car and the Crumps tractor to the cleaners who mimed their cleaning duties whilst moving furniture and bringing on props. The scenery was simple but effective especially the moveable signs and the backcloth with the fluttering clouds which added to the illusion of the train moving. The passengers swayed rhythmically thus adding to the sense of motion. This was an excellent team effort and I echo Lady C’s comment to the producer, Jan Miller, ”Well done old gal, well done”

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