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The Titfield Thunderbolt,
Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society, Ringwood School Theatre
PHILIP Goulding’s
wonderful stage adaptation of this classic 1953 Ealing Studios film proved to be
the ideal entertainment for old and young alike – and perhaps a few steam
train enthusiasts too. Set in the 1950’s, it is a story of a village trying to
prevent the closure of their branch line, and director Richard Bennett
successfully captured the bulldog spirit of that era.
Collecting the tickets at the station office and being greeted by liveried staff
ensured that everyone was immediately transported back to those pre-Beeching
days. As a result, when the engine ran out of water the audience was more than
willing to form a chain to top up the tank with whatever containers were
available.
Simon Sketchley (Reverend Sam Weech) was dottiness personified, ably assisted by
a most imperious Janet West (Lady Edna Chesterford), whilst Claire Freeman (Joan
Weech) brought a touch of sanity to the proceedings. They were more than a match
for the most dastardly John West (Vernon Crump). Add to these some wonderful
characterisations from Mike Golding (Dan Taylor), Peter Ansell (Mr. Valentine)
and Nathan East (Harry Crump and Sergeant Wilson) and the result was a
fun-filled evening taking the audience on a rollercoaster ride, with the
Thunderbolt (a superb creation by Peter Molyneux) arriving on time - almost.
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