It’s “All aboard!” for classic comedy this week at the Dolman Theatre as Newport Playgoers Society take a direct route back to 1952 to revisit the Ealing Comedy Classic, “The Titfield Thunderbolt”.

Recalling the early carefree days of the railway; The Titfield Thunderbolt shows how a group of villagers attempt to prevent the Titfield branch line from closure by British Railways as well as opposition from the local bus company..

Claudia Barnes production celebrates the Ealing original as a film remake complete with film technicians in brown coats, and extras from a talented bunch of children and adults who provide sound effects as well as acting support.

The Titfield Thunderbolt is lead by a sterling collective of character actors who take on multiple roles and diversify their talents with ease. Highlights include Richard Dymond’s wonderfully pompous Mr Blakeworth, Nicky Davies’ British film starlet charm as love interest Joan and Bruce Campbell’s swaggering portrayal of Valentine. Clare Drewett is delightfully British and stiff upper lipped as Lady Chesterford while Ryan Salter’s portrayal of no less than five characters is sheer brilliance as well as wonderfully Monty Pythonesque.

The audience are also pulled into the action too as the cast and props move freely within the theatre, bringing excitement, interaction and fun to the proceedings to a point one small child shouted “again!” when one fun filled scene came to an end.

Lovers of classic comedy shouldn’t miss this connection - The Titfield Thunderbolt makes daily whistle stops at the Dolman Theatre until Saturday, so book your tickets now!