ACTORS set to appear in a play about the King of the Railways ditched the stage for the hands-on chance to drive a steam engine.

Staff at Locomotion: The National Railway at Shildon hosted the cast of the play In Fog and Falling Snow.

The show tells the real life story of George Hudson, the self styled King of the Railways, and it is set in the 1840s.

It follows Hudson as he sets forth on his journey to build the East Coast network of railways at any cost.

Several of the cast headed to Shildon today (Friday, May 22) to drive a steam engine in order to gain experience for the play.

Amongst those taking part were 17-year-olds Olivia Ledden and Charlotte Wood who jointly play the role of George Jenkins, a train driver’s daughter.

Charlotte said: “We wanted to get an idea of what it would be like to be on a steam train in the mid 19th century.

“It was exciting and so much fun. It was complicated but interesting and it will help us to create an atmosphere for the show.”

Show director Damian Cruden said: “I wanted to give our cast the experience of riding on a real live steam engine.

“I wanted them to feel the heat, the noise, the movement and the limited visibility the drivers would have.”

The actors rode on Furness 20 engine which is the oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive in Britain.

Cath Farrell, senior National Railway Museum press officer, said: “They wanted to get a hands-on experience and this is probably the best way to recreate a 19th century railway.”

The show runs between Friday, June 26, and Saturday, July 11, in the Signal Box Theatre, at the, in NRM, York.

Ticket details can be obtained via the York Theatre Royal box office on 01904-623568 or online at theatreroyal.co.uk