Big Screen Steam

07 January 2013

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Rail buffs and film enthusiasts will be boarding a celebrative journey back to the steam train archives, as Big Screen Steam pulls into Woking for the very last time on Saturday 9 February 2013.

Big Screen Steam is presented by Woking Borough Council, in association with Woking's New Cinema Club and features two unique programmes, each showing footage and films dedicated to the age of steam.

Two different shows are scheduled for 3pm and 7.30pm at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, in Woking. Alan Willmott, formerly of British Transport Films and Andrew Youdell, of the British Film Institute, are the familiar faces guiding the trip back in time with expert commentary.

The afternoon pilgrimage includes the fascinating story of the preserved Kent and East Sussex Railway from Tenterden to Bodiam, narrated by British television and radio presenter, Adrian Chiles. Look at the glorious days of steam from 1897 to 1929 and take a nostalgic journey with Sir John Betjeman as he views a photographic exhibition in London, remembering the great trains of old and looking forward to "railways forever".

The evening excursion aptly features an extract from the gripping railway drama, The Last Journey, showing the final part filmed on the former GWR system between London and Plymouth. The evening comes to a halt with an official film record of the beautiful Watercress Line, today one of the popular Heritage Steam Railways of Southern England.

Tickets cost £5 for each session (key concession card holders: £4) and are available from The Ambassadors Box Office on 0844 871 7645. Fliers detailing the complete programme are available from The Lightbox and the Civic Offices.

For further information, please call Woking Borough Council's Arts Development Officer, Hannah Smith, on 01483 743702 or email hannah.smith@woking.gov.uk