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Reliably informed
Emily Elliott enjoys an emotive and humorous production which tackles contemporary struggles through the lens of a historic tale
Image courtesy of The Working Class Movement Library
The Cramlington Train Wreckers is both humorous and deeply emotive in the depiction of the accidental derailing of the Flying Scotsman by striking miners.
As the curtain goes up, audience members are immediately plunged into a newsroom. There’s a feeling of unease, as we learn we are experiencing the tumultuous journey of the UK General Strike through the thoughtful questions and sympathy of a ‘lefty-leaning’ journalist. She is interviewing Bill Muckle, one of the men convicted.
What I found most striking about the play is the constant dedication to representing today’s political issues. On a set which consists of just three chairs and a table, playwright Ed Waugh delivers a remarkable reminder that the play’s context still links heavily to contemporary society. There are humorous references to Rishi Sunak, sombre mentions of Gaza and Ukraine and reminders about the eco-crisis.
In a time where the world has adopted a polarised view of politics more than ever, the production challenges this mindset, acknowledging multiple perspectives such as the convicted men being ‘terrorists’ in what could have been a massacre, and considering their criticism on mainstream media outlets like the Daily Mail. Even Winston Churchill gives his two pence on the matter.
On the other hand, we see the events from the perspective of Bill Muckle, who depicts a world of poverty facing wage cuts, no statutory holiday and his desire to defend their community and job. As a result, audience members are encouraged to come up with their own opinions of the miners, making the play all the more engaging.
The serious messages are made easily accessible through the comedic multitude of changing characters. Expect cameos from a hilarious Geordie at a football stadium to a drooping Winston Churchill, just to name a couple. The humour of the play comes from a real feeling of spontaneity; there are interview clips, a constant shift in and out of various regional accents, and no-one knows when the characters will next band together in song. Brace yourself.
Throughout the play is the continuous, inspirational message that ‘the union makes us strong’. The play shows us that when we band together we can create real, meaningful and lasting change.
The Cramlington Train Wreckers is on tour across the region until Saturday 16th November.
