The Market Deeping Model Railway Club: Play

An evening of humour and pathos at the Nottingham Playhouse theatre

Who in their right mind would want to smash up a wonderful 4mm scale model of Woodcroft? But that did happen back in 2019, when vandals destroyed many works of art on the eve of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club exhibition.

Picture: (The famous Woodcroft layout, created by David Smith with fellow members of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club, was the inspiration behind the play. Severely damaged during the 2019 vandal attack, the layout has since been painstakingly restored to full working order. In the production, Ken, played by Deka Walmsley, delivers a powerful and emotional monologue explaining why Woodcroft station means so much to him.)

Esteemed author and playwright William Ivory was so moved by the event that he felt compelled to pen an interesting play with gentle comedy based on actual happenings which broke many hearts. Out of that misery came a tide of compassion and very generous help in so many different ways. This was not just in the form of financial donations, but also moral and emotional support, with people coming together.

The Vice Chairman of the club, Peter Davies, was asked how accurately the play captures the club. The answer was "in many ways very accurately" but in other ways, not quite real life! You have to remember that the "heightened drama and humour belong to the theatre". It is a play to entertain us all, and the team under the directorship of Adam Penford have created a wonderful entertaining spectacle.

Peter Davies, Chairman of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club, presents honorary memberships to playwright William Ivory and Artistic Director Adam Penford in recognition of their contribution to bringing the club's remarkable story to the stage.

Picture: (Peter Davies, Vice Chairman of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club, presents honorary memberships to playwright William Ivory and Artistic Director Adam Penford in recognition of their contribution to bringing the club's remarkable story to the stage.)

Would I normally travel 220 miles north from the cool coast of Devon, in the heat of summer, to see the play? Yes, I would! It was great fun and an enjoyable time away from the office.

Members of the cast and production team are joined by representatives from the play's main sponsor, LNER, including David Horne, Managing Director, Penny Bond, Robbie Williams, Jake Orros of Railway Modeller and Mark Ward.

Picture: (Joined by representatives from the play's main sponsor, LNER, including David Horne, Managing Director, Penny Bond, Robbie Williams, Jake Orros of Railway Modeller and Mark Ward.)

Not many days left for the play to run before it closes on the 25th July. So, book your seats without delay and join in with the experience! Check out the Nottingham Playhouse website for tickets.

Railway Modeller's Michael Pritchard chats with playwright William Ivory outside Nottingham Playhouse ahead of the premiere of The Market Deeping Model Railway Club. Also pictured is Peter Davies, Chairman of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club.

Picture: (Railway Modeller's Michael Pritchard chats with playwright William Ivory outside Nottingham Playhouse ahead of the premiere of The Market Deeping Model Railway Club. Also pictured is Peter Davies, Vice Chairman of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club.)

Enjoy the show!

The production team, cast and members of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club gather on stage following a performance of The Market Deeping Model Railway Club at Nottingham Playhouse, with the famous Woodcroft layout taking centre stage.

Picture: (The production team, cast and members of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club gather on stage following a performance of The Market Deeping Model Railway Club at Nottingham Playhouse, with the famous Woodcroft layout taking centre stage.)