Nottingham Playhouse announces that East Coast Main Line train operator LNER is sponsoring its upcoming world premiere of William Ivory’s The Market Deeping Model Railway Club.
The partnership couples together two of the East Midlands’ powerhouse brands in support of the comedy of high stakes drama in a small-town setting, based on true life events in 2019.
LNER’s sponsorship proudly backs Nottingham Playhouse’s commitment to championing new writing for the stage. Partnering with The Market Deeping Model Railway Club is a natural fit — bringing together shared audiences, communities, and a perfect platform for the work.
In addition, LNER and Nottingham Playhouse will develop an ongoing relationship throughout the year, with the renowned LNER brand appearing across Nottingham Playhouse print and digital channels.
Ed Turner, Head of Public Affairs at LNER, said:
“At LNER, we are proud to support the communities that we serve and our Azuma trains connect Nottinghamshire with destinations across the East Coast Main Line, including London, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands.
“We are thrilled to be able to support The Market Deeping Model Railway Club as such a talented team bring the new show to life throughout July. The Club’s real-world efforts to connect with their community is something that resonates strongly with LNER and we hope that audiences enjoy the show.”
Jess Straub, Development and Sponsorship Manager at Nottingham Playhouse, commented:
“We’re really excited to have LNER on board as sponsors for this brilliant new play. LNER’s brand values align well with our own: a passion for what they do, a desire to be bold, and ensuring the customer is at the centre of the experience, as well as their sustainability aims. It’s a perfect partnership for the play, and for Nottingham Playhouse.”
Adrian Scarborough leads the illustrious cast which includes: Babatunde Aléshé, Matt Bardock, Geoffrey Beevers, Paul Bradley, James Bradshaw, Lucy Briers and Deka Walmsley. Directed by Adam Penford.
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 high stakes drama in a small-town setting – celebrating community, friendship, and British eccentricity.
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?
The play has been written in consultation with members of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club, and whilst this play is inspired by real events, characters, names and events have been fictionalised for the purposes of the play.
Tickets are now on sale: nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Commissioning William Ivory to write The Market Deeping Model Railway Club is part of Nottingham Playhouse’s on-going commitment to support local writers and creatives. In May, the world premiere of Jane Upton’s Scenes from a Friendship opened, and Beth Steel’s West End hit, Till the Stars Come Down, makes its regional premiere in the autumn at Nottingham Playhouse.
LISTINGS
Nottingham Playhouse
The Market Deeping Model Railway Club
Writer William Ivory
Director Adam Penford
Mon 6 – Sat 25 July 2026
Press night: Friday 10 July 2026, 7pm
Posted on 02 July 2026
