"The Titfield Thunderbolt" by Philip Goulding (29 Mar - 1 Apr 2023)

Poster

It’s 70 years since The Titfield Thunderbolt first steamed into British cinemas. It was one of the last great Ealing Comedies and their first to be shot in colour. Like today, 1953 was the year of a Coronation.

I first saw this performed in 2004 when a friend was in the original cast. It was enormous fun, inventive and immersive - and we loved how it was staged ‘in traverse’. He later directed a version for the John Lewis Partnership Dramatic Society (a group even older than St Michael’s Players), in which I played Blakeworth (and Neil Clarke Sam Weech). I always thought it would be a perfect play for St Michael’s Players.

​This is my directorial debut with St Michael’s Players, and I’d like to thank all the cast and crew for their extraordinary help and support in putting this on. Like the citizens of Titfield, we’ve come together to make scenery, source props, lend costumes, muck in - and in the case of some of the cast even change gender! As Dan would say, “They’ve done a grand job.”

What they said
“I just wanted to thank you for a great evening… throughly enjoyed the performance. What brilliant characters and superb direction. Loved the immersive experience on the front seats. It made it very memorable…” Tim and Karin C

“… a definite success. Good fun” Karen J

“Really enjoyable evening!” Vicky and Justin B

"We very much enjoyed last night.   It was great fun and very cleverly staged… Thank you for mailing us and please keep us posted about further shows." John and Carey C

"Really enjoyed the show, it was fabulous. Looking forward to the next one" Alley W

"Such a good show, everyone should be very proud" Elaine F

"Congratulations everyone, it was fantastic! Loved seeing you all again" Fleur dHP

Photos

Programme
2303_titfield_prog.pdf
File Size: 1197 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Cast

​BLAKEWORTH (Cressida Strauss)
DAN TAYLOR (Elizabeth Ollier)
CLIFTON/MRS BOTTOMLEY (Kay Porter)
VERNON CRUMP/MR VALENTINE (Neil Clarke)
LADY EDNA CHESTERFORD (Bryony Wilman)
HARRY CRUMP/SGT WILSON (Ryan Beadle)
JOAN WEECH (Rebecca Lewis)
REV SAM WEECH (Alastair Dewar)
MISS COGGETT (Amelia Barker)
RUDDOCK (Gareth Sammer)
CLEGG (Rachel Fay)
SCENERY/ANIMAL SOUNDS (Sue Shorter and cast)

Crew

​Director (Guy Fairbank)
Stage Manager (Christine Lee)
Asst Stage Manager (Imogen Measday)
Musical Director (Kristen Gaetz)
Sound and Lighting (Ian Trowbridge, Andy Rooney, Chris Jones)
Set Design (Alicia Sammer, Chris Hulatt)
Props (Susan Johnson)
Make-Up (Teena Heer)
Publicity (Tessa Dunn)
Front of House (Members & Friends of St Michael's Players)