A SMALL English village is determined to fight back when the government announces their beloved railway is to be closed.

The Newport Playgoers' put their own twist on a 1950s story, with laughs and audience participation from the start.

The auditorium was packed with people of all ages, who, when the play started, were informed they were extras in the performance.

The sets were simple and effective as they required regular changes and the costumes were fitting of the time.

The characters, including children, played the enthusiastic villagers who are determined to keep the railway going, with Clare Drewett as Lady Chesterfield, John Sheen as Sam Weech and Ros Jones-Griffiths as his niece Joan leading the charge. The trio were strong performers and funny throughout, adding the comedy factor with their exaggerated accents and facial expressions while persuading Steve Drowley as Mr Valentine, the village's richest man, to invest in the railway. But with the villain, Vernon Crump, played again by Steve Drowley, and Ryan Salter as son Harry and their bus service in the shadows, there are plenty of obstacles and some train sabotage to overcome.

The Playgoers 'filmed' the show with the help of the audience, with props and cast moving around the auditorium regularly. The simple storyline was given good substance by an engaging cast.

Julia Fitzgerald