“It’s too late to leave, the door is already locked.”
These chilling words set the tone for one of the most innovative and immersive theatre experiences you’ll ever experience this century, or the last century for that matter.
As rail mysteries of the yesteryear are revealed at The Railway Museum, there couldn’t be a better setting for “Tracks after Twilight – Tales in the Shadows.” As you’re guided among the historic carriages and locomotives, you’ll start to picture the harsh conditions railway workers once endured. You’ll also gain a sense of what rail travel was once like, especially when piled into a crammed carriage where the air is thick with the ghosts and eerie tales.
Any romantic notions of railway travel may be dispelled, or heightened, depending on your leanings. As you’re taken back to a time way before public transport was taken behind the safety of mobile phones and noise-cancelling headphones, you’re confronted with the quirks of your fellow passengers for a train ride unlike any other.
Held alongside the Midland train line at The Railway Museum, and run by Rail Heritage WA, the modern trains whizzing by further add to the atmosphere and juxtaposition of the past and present.
Without giving too much away, the allure lies in the creepy surprises. So be prepared for nocturnal moans, audience participation and partial nudity as you’re regaled with stories inspired by real events, with plenty of artistic licence thrown in for dramatic effect.
Speaking of, Elite Audio Visual Productions cleverly designed the chilling effects, shrouding the actors in mystery right up until the door is unlocked and you’re released from the shadows of the past and back into present-day reality.
Reviewed during the preview, there were a few technical issues still to be ironed out, and at times, the stories felt a bit disjointed as the narrative moved between the carriages. Nonetheless, the performance was entertaining, and anyone with a love of trains, history and drama will appreciate the immersive storytelling set among WA’s historic trains.
Keep the rail theme going by popping into a train carriage for a burger at Alfred’s Kitchen, two train stops away in Guildford.
This first showing of Tracks After Twilight is completely sold out, but pay attention to the Railway Heritage Museum for future show runs of this innovative theatre style. In the meantime, checkout their website for more information @ https://www.railheritagewa.org.au/.
