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Railway's 150 Years: Play Captures Epic Story
9 Apr
Summary
- A new play, 'Lives Along the Line,' commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Settle to Carlisle Railway.
- The play will be recorded to create a film, serving as a future educational resource for schools.
- The historic railway line faced closure threats in 1983 but was saved by a public campaign.
A new theatrical production, 'Lives Along the Line,' has been commissioned to mark 150 years since the inaugural passenger journey on the Settle to Carlisle Railway. The play will capture the rich history of this iconic route, which spans the Pennine Hills and Yorkshire Dales.
This significant historical milestone will also be preserved through a film recording of the play. This visual record is intended to serve as an educational resource for schools situated along the railway line for years to come. The creation of the play and film was commissioned by the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company.
The Settle to Carlisle line boasts impressive engineering, featuring 14 tunnels and over 20 viaducts across its 72-mile length. The line's history is dramatic, encompassing its complex construction and a pivotal moment in 1983 when plans to close it were thwarted by public outcry.
The Vagabonds, a community theatre group, will perform 'Lives Along the Line.' The play is scheduled to premiere at Appleby Public Hall on July 4, with a subsequent performance at Victoria Hall in Settle on July 5. The playwright, Joan Barnard, expressed her hope that the production would honor the railway's achievements and the many individuals involved.
