A British ‘first of its kind’
‘Theatre from the Train’ on July 7 will feature at least a dozen events happening along the eight-mile length of the Llanfair line, entertaining passengers who have pre-booked tickets on one of the five special steam trains operating.
Superheroes, undead zombies and friendly characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ will appear along the route, together with choirs and musicians playing at stations.
Gunfire will be heard at level crossings where re-enactment societies will put their historic weaponry to use, while passing trains will be menaced by Martians that have invaded the Earth.
Junior actors with Montgomeryshire Youth Theatre will perform alongside experienced older hands as a host of local performance groups and societies come together. Organisers say there is still time for others to come forward if they wish to participate.
Inspiration for the event came from Germany, where performances took place in fields bordering a main-line railway. It was thought that theatrical skills could be better displayed around the narrow gauge Welshpool & Llanfair line, where the steam trains travel at a maximum of 15mph.
Carol Davies, one of the organisers, described the enthusiasm of those taking part as exciting. “We gathered local groups and performers together in Welshpool Town Hall last year and the ideas flew around – now it’s all coming together and it’s going to be a unique day,” she said.
“Nothing like this has ever been organised before in Britain, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if other heritage railways decide to copy our idea.
“We are praying for good weather because many of our actors are going to spend a long day outside in the countryside. But I know they are getting prepared with umbrellas and gazebos just in case the sun doesn’t smile on us.
“Our special thanks go to local farmers who are lending us their fields alongside the railway to use as performance areas. Their response to our requests has been great.”
Groups participating in the event include: Castle Belles Choir, Llanymynech Golf Club (ladies section), Montgomeryshire Youth Theatre, The Cosplay Group, Llanymynech Amateur Dramatic Society, 41st Foot Re-enactment Society, Guilsfield Dramatics, Signal Corps Re-enactment Group, Rebel Alliance, Saxaphone Sundae, Sara Tree and Dennis Duggan Classic Cars.
Visitors wanting to experience this one-of-a-kind experience are strongly advised to pre-book their tickets from the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. More details can be obtained by calling 01938 810441 or from here.
PICTURE: Some very strange goings-on will be happening around the Welshpool & Llanfair on July 7.
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