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It is not often that I am able to see a World Premiere, but that is what happened this evening for the debut of William Ivory’s new play . Ivory’s previous popular offering was the screen play for “Made in Dagenham” . Once again he is at the heart of British culture and mores.

When I was a child I had a model railway, as I entered the Theatre foyer i was struck how the audience demographic mirrored me.

The set is surprisingly sophisticated, such that it will challenge future Amdram productions, both in location and computerised backdrops. LNER sponsor the show in touching community spirit

The experienced cast is unusually strong no doubt in an attempt to lever a transfer to London at a later date.

The story is Calendar Girls v Dads Army , a period piece of a bygone age, yet it contemporaneously examines masculinity, male friendship and the quirkiness of the human condition set against a backdrop of Brexit Britain and the rise of populism and right wing prejudice.

William Ivory’s comedy is inspired by  a 2019 crime , when four youths broke into the school hall at Market Deeping Welland academy only to find a model railway exhibition. For a laugh, they trashed it. They did it because they could in intriguing juxtaposition to the modellers who do it because they can.

The dialogue is very funny. Adrian Scarborough as the Chairman, when attempting to coax youngBabutunde Aleshe to join the old codgers declares “We’re not old- some even pay for their own prescriptions!”

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The almost all male cast is augmented by Lucy Briers as the put-upon club secretary who provides much needed colour and shade to proceedings directed by Adam Penford.

A modern soundtrack incorporates Bowie’s Rebel Rebel and the Pistols “God save the Queen” with a playfully amusing snippet from” Theme from S’Express”.

When their layout is destroyed by vandals, Rod Stewart not only comes to the rescue with cash, but also provides some good laughs as the members take up his songs too. I suspect he was generous with his royalties requirement.

Sharp, witty, laconic, and playful this play will run and run.