Avanti West Coast teams up with theatre to stage a thrilling mystery ride for students

• Avanti West Coast, The King’s Theatre Glasgow and theatre producers Fiery Angel create one of a kind field trip
• Partnership connects young people to unique learning opportunity on West Coast
• Carlisle students go behind-the-scenes of brand-new production of Murder on the Orient Express  

Students were treated to an exclusive behind the scenes insight into a stage production of an Agatha Christie classic thanks to Avanti West Coast, as part of its groundbreaking Feel Good Field Trips initiative.

Year 12 pupils from St John Henry Newman College in Carlisle travelled by train to Glasgow Central for a fun and educational day out at The King’s Theatre centred around the new stage production of the author’s famous book, Murder on the Orient Express.

Teaming up with The King’s and Fiery Angel (producers of the play), the intercity operator helped stage an exclusive hands-on learning experience combining the railway and arts.

The A-Level students were given a tour of The King’s by venue staff, followed by sessions with the cast and production team members, including Michael Maloney, who plays fictional Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, Simon Cotton, Christine Kavanagh and Beth Tuckey. They discussed their involvement in the production from performing to stage management, costume and technical theatre, including sound and lighting. 

After the behind-the-scenes insight, the students watched a matinee performance of Murder on the Orient Express.

The outing was made possible after Avanti West Coast worked with the Creative Learning Team at the King’s Theatre – who develop and deliver engagement activities for schools and community groups – and Fiery Angel, to create a different learning experience for this one-off Feel Good Field Trip.

Feel Good Field Trips is designed to give up to 5,000 pupils aged between four and 18 the chance to travel by train with Avanti West Coast for fun and educational days out that may have previously been inaccessible for them.

David Savage from Community Rail Lancashire, who facilitates the Feel Good Field Trips, said: “The trip to the King’s Theatre in Glasgow was a memorable and enriching experience for the students, offering a rare opportunity to explore the theatre industry. Touring the theatre, meeting the cast and crew, and learning from lead actors gave them an insightful perspective on the variety of careers in theatre.

“From understanding the technical aspects of lighting and sound to seeing the costumes and props backstage, the day provided a well-rounded view of the effort that brings a production to life. Watching Murder on the Orient Express was the perfect way to end the day – sparking a deeper appreciation for the arts.”   

Joanna Buckley, Community Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We loved working with the teams at The King’s and Murder on The Orient Express to bring the railway and arts together for this one-off learning opportunity. To offer something unique and tailored to the interests of the students has been great and we hope this experience will not only stay with them for the rest of their life but will inspire them to pursue their passions.”

Alison Cowan, Creative Learning Manager at The King’s, said: “We were thrilled to host the Feel Good Field Trip along with the team from Murder on the Orient Express. It was incredibly rewarding to see the energy and enthusiasm from the young people during the session and a fantastic reminder of how impactful creative learning can be when it’s hands-on, inclusive, and fun.”

Fiery Angel’s Edward Snape said: “We at Fiery Angel were delighted to support Avanti West Coast’s Feel Good Field Trip to Glasgow’s Kings Theatre and Murder on the Orient Express. It’s a great way to introduce young people to the very special, inclusive experience of watching a live play or musical and the cast and production team were able to show the students all the diverse job opportunities that exist in the theatre industry.”

ENDS