I was fortunate enough to be able to sit in at the dress rehearsal for ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ which Newport Playgoers are presenting at the Dolman Theatre from 14 – 18 June.
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Vernon Crump (Bruce Campbell), the Rev Weech (Richard Dymond) and Lady Edna Chesterford (Clare Drewett) have transport troubles in the marvellously madcap 'Titfield Thunderbolt'
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Based on the popular Ealing comedy, the play is set in the 1950s when the axe loomed over many rural railway lines, and centres on the efforts of a group of gung-ho villagers to run their own railway in competition with a local bus company. To get a taste of the production, watch the low-res video below:
Making stage plays from novels and short stories is quite common, but to attempt this with a film screenplay - especially one involving a race between a train and a bus – is quite a challenge. Philip Goulding’s version of T E B Clarke's script pulls it off with style.
This highly innovative production, brilliantly directed by Claudia Barnes, races along, taking the audience into a zany world of nostalgia and feelgood fun. Theatregoers can expect the unexpected as the cast double- and triple-up in a number of larger-than-life roles and break the conventional rules by bringing the play off the stage and involving the audience.
I would highly recommend you book your ticket now for this fast-moving production. Phone the Dolman Theatre box office for details on 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.
