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THE TITFIELD THUNDERBOLT, The Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch
by Daniel Barden
A CHUG back to the nostalgic days of steam was brought to the theatre, last week, with Philip Goulding's wonderful stage version of the Titfield Thunderbolt.
An adaptation of the 1951 Ealing Studios film starring Stanley Holloway, Hugh Griffith and Sid James, the play is about a group of villagers who decide to buy and run their own railway after discovering their branch line from Titfield is about to be closed.
It was a sign of the times in the early 50s that British Rail started to axe such rural rail lines to compensate for falling profits, resulting in the wholesale closure of many branch lines like Titfield's.
But the villagers of Titfield serve up defiance and community spirit, while conjuring up the magical bygone days of travelling by steam rail the romantic way to travel. And its all dished up with hilarious consequences.
The audience certainly enjoyed the scenery and rather strange-moving props, which are obviously and purposely simplistic and complement the era and rural setting in which the play is based.
And the cast do such a primitive setting justice with some excellent multi-role performances.
In particular, Paul Leonard steals the show with three completely different personalities. He shows great diversity as the drunken benefactor Mr Valentine, loveable rogue Vernon Crump and the Hitler-esque, but still distinctly British stiff-upper-liped bureaucrat, Clegg.
However, it would be wrong not to mention the other four team members stage and screen legend Kate O'Mara, Paul Reed, Loveday Smith and Steven Pinder who all put in fine performances as well.
If it's laughs you're looking for, look no further than Titfield, a generally good-natured and delightful play.
The Titfield runs until Saturday September 17, with tickets from �13 to �17, available at the box office on 01708 443333.
Epping Forest Guardian - 9th September 2005
With thanks to Philip Goulding (The Writer)
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