The Titfield Thunderbolt: creating the sounds and sights of the 1950s

Shine Radio’s Laura Sheppard directed this production of the Titfield Thunderbolt, a play about rescuing a discontinued train line against fierce and nefarious opposition – actually quite topical.

It’s at the Half Moon’s performance space so the set is sparse and relies on costume and make up, people acting as scenery and sound effects! and it works really well!

Mike Waddington spoke to Robert Sheppard who ran the sound effects desk, and he demonstrates some of the hand held devices like the ‘cabasa’ and the ‘acquaphone’; Faye Thompson, the Town Crier, who assists, plays her favourites.

Mike also spoke to Kate Gardner, who played Mr Ruddock, from the Ministry of Transport.

The Titfield Thunderbolt runs at Stroud Village Hall (29 Nov) and Petersfield Community Centre on Saturday 30 November.