New September date

A new date has been added for an immersive interactive murder mystery set on an award-winning railway and performed on board selected evening services.

All four summer dates sold out, including the one at the end of August.

However, thanks to the community theatre company that wrote and performs the mystery –

the Bexhill Light Operatic & Dramatic Society (BLODS) – and the railway’s visitor experience manager Heather Packham, a new date of Friday, September 18 has been added and is now open for bookings.

Spokeswoman Alison Miles said: “Packed with intrigue, deception and performed against the atmospheric backdrop of the heritage railway, the specially-written murder mystery promises a fully immersive experience where passengers become detectives for the night, questioning suspects, examining evidence and attempting to uncover a killer before the final reveal at the end of the evening.

“Passengers can also dine as they detect, with the option of booking a delicious two-course dinner with their tickets, served to them at their seat as they travel through the beautiful Wealden countryside.

“Set in the 1950s, before the original closure of the line, the story centres on the murder of a railway signalman, with a cast of colourful characters drawn from local railway and town history. Passengers enjoy the drama as it unfolds aboard the train, with actors moving through carriages to interrogate suspects, drop clues and invite lively debate.”

Heather, visitor experience manager for the Kent & East Sussex Railway, said: “We’ve been blown away by the positive response from our audiences so far and we’re delighted that BLODS are able to offer us an additional date.”

Henri Hayler, chairman of BLODS, who also appears in the production as DCI Thomas, said: “It’s a truly immersive experience; you’re not just watching a show – you’re part of it. Every single character is a genuine suspect, and, unlike a classic murder mystery, we’ve ensured that the culprit will be different each time it’s performed.

“Everyone receives a police-style evidence pack, and passengers are encouraged to talk to other passengers and build their own theories. The actors also improvise, responding to interrogation by the passengers.

“The final twists are revealed on the return leg of the journey, before the big question is asked at the end of the night: Who killed Harry the Signalman?”

Prices start at £47 (adult) and £25 (child, 15 years and under) for both performance and travel, with inclusive dining packages priced at £71.50 (adult) and £32.95 (child, 15 years and under).

Founded in 1933, BLODS (Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society) has been at the heart of community theatre in Bexhill-on-Sea for more than ninety years.

Throughout its long history, BLODS has presented a wide range of musicals, plays and family productions for audiences across East Sussex, while providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to become involved both on stage and behind the scenes. Today, BLODS operates as a volunteer-run charity, with every production and event made possible through the dedication and enthusiasm of its members and supporters. The society has also achieved regional recognition through prestigious NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) awards, including award-winning productions of Shrek The Musical and Elf The Musical.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is an award-winning heritage railway based in Tenterden, Kent, operating as an educational charity.

Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century. With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through ten and a half miles of Wealden countryside in the Rother Valley.