The Titfield Thunderbolt

The set of this comedy was of a very high standard, with either side of the railway track opening up to create a bar on one side and the vicarage on the other alongside a platform of Titfield station and to top it all a train! The design was so attentive to detail and very cleverly done. Congratulations to all concerned with this wonderful set.

I was particularly impressed by the way the actors (mainly the four Miss Titfields) changed the set calmly, seamlessly and with smiles that became an integral part of the performance. This was a good touch that complemented the story so well.

Annette Driver as Lady Edna Chesterford made a great job of her character pitching it just right alongside Mark Blaber as the bumbling but very sweet Rev. Sam Weech. He came over very well indeed. Just the right role for this versatile actor.

Mike Hamilton as Mr Valentine/Vernon Crump did so well in both roles; not always an easy thing to do, but these two characters were such complete opposites and were performed with such great skill that it was easy to forget the same actor was performing them both; very convincing.

Kieran McGarry as Harry Crump/Sergeant Wilson /Mrs Bottomley, again was very convincing in all roles, you could see that Kieran was enjoying these character’s with relish and brought some great comedy to them.

Martin Moore as Dan Taylor came over well along with a great accent.

Casting Wendy Bishop as Mr Blakeworth/Mr Clegg was a good move. The comedy that came with these roles was truly funny and done so well as you always expect from Wendy.

Lee Haddow did well as did Victoria Bungay as Miss Titfield I, Katherine Lister as Miss Titfield II/Miss Coggett, and Courteney Potter as Miss Titfield III and Joyce Pomeroy as Miss Titfield IV. Their facial expressions were brilliant, they looked attractively sophisticated and carried themselves very well.

Jasmine Tapp as Joan Weech / Young Clifton made a great job of her characters, appearing for the first time with the Exmouth Players. I hope she will be back for more!

Nick Lawrence is to be heartily congratulated on a superbly executed play. It was well cast, along with great costumes, music that was so appropriate , a high standard of scenery and people with talent and skill back stage as well as on stage. With this comedy, so well written, you couldn’t lose and once again The Exmouth Players have put on a superb play and a provided a thoroughly enjoyable evening of great entertainment, one that will last in the memory for some time to come.

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