The Great Train Race
by Robert Dawson Scott
Nov 2015
In partnership with Heart of Hawick
Cammie Simon Donaldson
Kinnaber Ellie Zeegen
Norrie Ali Watt
Director Richard Baron
Design consultant Edward Lipscomb
Sound designer Sylvia Ferradal
Lighting designer George Tarbuck
This fast paced found-space production of Robert Dawson Scott’s The Great Train Race started its journey at Heart of Hawick and then toured to the newly opened Galashiels Railway Station, to mark the opening of the Borders Railway. Generously supported by the Borders Railway Celebration Fund, and with the enthusiastic assistance of students from
The Edinburgh Lighting and Sound School, the show was a roaring sell-out success.
The play tells the incredible but true story of the death-defying London to Aberdeen train race of 1895. Set at a time when the mighty Forth Bridge had recently opened, Robert Dawson Scott’s hilarious new play charted the contest between the two great Victorian north-south railway companies, the Caledonian (West Coast) and the North British (East Coast) for the title of fastest service to the North, in a hugely entertaining, informative and fun-filled salute to the romance of the railways. Oh, and everyone had a pie and a pint (or soft drink, or glass or wine…) before the show too!
“Outstanding” **** Edinburgh 49
“A celebration and a pleasure” **** The Scotsman
What the audience thought:
“Congrats to @FirebrandTheatr for The Great Train Race at #Galashiels Interchange. A fun, energetic romp with @PlayPiePint bonuses.” Campbell Hutcheson
“Brilliant performance tonite of The Great Train Race by FirebrandTheatr @HeartofHawick #towermill" Fiona Middler
“Really enjoyed the show. Great job.” David J Bisset
“I’ve never seen anything like it ever. For once I am actually speechless! The kids loved it too. Emily said ‘super cool show’ and Ben said ‘I got to join in with the chuffing.’ Thank you for allowing us to be part of the show.” Lesley Sneddon
“Energetic, engaging, inspiring, imaginative and a real treat to be a part of. I can honestly say, it’s the most captivating and enjoyable theatre production I’ve ever been to.’ Wendy Feakins
“@HeartofHawick @FirebrandTheatr This was excellent in all respects. A credit to all involved.” John Hunter
“A fantastic romp of a show and massively informative to boot.” Irene Allan
Toured November 2015
Heart of Hawick
The Interchange, Galashiels