The Titfield Thunderbolt

Redlynch players are a very small drama group who perform in a small village hall on the edge of the New Forest National Park., They always set their standards high, and always produce excellent plays. Therefore I was looking forward to seeing their interpretation of “The Titfield Thunderbolt” a play by Philip Goulding written in 2008 and based on the 1953 Classic Ealing comedy of the same name.  

The hall was set up and simply, but cleverly decorated, to create a village railway station with a tea room complete with two ladies, in costume, serving drinks in Bone China cups. I felt that the only thing missing was the smell of the Steams engines and smoke.

The play has 14 characters, but it was written is such away that it can be performed by a cast of 5. In this excellent Redlynch production there were 8 cast members. Some of whom had multiple quick changes

As aways with this group the set was kept simple but very effective and the changes all ran smoothly throughout. I thought that it was cleverly directed  to bring out all the humour. The delivery and timing of the script was  first class by every cast member which made it a very funny play . There was some inspirational mixed gender casting  which produced several outstanding performances, but the person I feel I must mention is  Desmond Longfield, a sprightly 93 year old,  playing Mr Valentine.  I felt that the role could have been written for him.  

Once again Redlynch Players showed what a high standard, a small local amateur drama group can achieve.

My congratulations go to all concerned

 

 

 

 

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