The Market Deeping Model Railway Club by Billy Ivory

Nottingham Playhouse 2026- Associate Director

★★★★★ “It's funny, deeply human and brilliantly observed. Quite simply, I adored this play.” (Elemental Theatre)

★★★★★ “A FANTASTIC cast… A story loaded with genuine humour and unexpected dramatic moments – FIRST CLASS THEATRE’ (East Midlands Theatre)

★★★★★ “The best play I’ve seen so far this year! The cast and crew, led by director Penford, have really produced something exceptional” (Theatre and Tonic)

The Market Deeping Model Railway Club’s chances of victory at the Annual Show have been ripped apart by vandals, and the group must rally to piece their miniature world back together.

When their story goes global, help floods in from unexpected sources – including fellow enthusiast Sir Rod Stewart. But what lies ahead for the club? Chairman Graham, his astute wife Linda and the eclectic bunch of enthusiasts must face the question: what exactly is it about their everyday lives, that makes recreating the England of the past in miniature so appealing?

Based on a true story, Nottingham playwright William Ivory (The Great Escaper, Made in Dagenham, Common As Muck) brings warmth and wit to this comedy of highstakes drama in a small-town setting – celebrating community, friendship, and British eccentricity.

Whilst this play is inspired by real events, characters, names and events have been fictionalised for the purposes of the play.

Director Adam Penford

Designer Soutra Gilmour

Lighting Designer Howard Hudson

Sound Designer and Composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite

Projection Designer Jon Driscoll

Fight Director Bret Yount

Associate Director Hannah Stone

Associate Projection Designer George Jarvis

Voice Coach Kay Welch

Casting Director Ginny Schiller CDG

Casting Assistant Ben Armstrong