Set onboard a glamorous train with lavish furnishings, The Murdér Express by Funicular productions transports guests back in time to the grandeur of the 19th century for a moving game of Cluedo.
Travelling by train for pleasure is in its infancy and with it comes a special kind of thrill. Departing from ‘Pedley Street Station’ in East London, passengers are invited to experience ‘The Murdér Express’ as it snakes its way from London to the fictional town of Murdér in France.
Entering via the Pedley Street Station ‘Seven Sins’ Bar, passengers of ‘The Murdér Express’ wet their whistles whilst luggage is packed onboard. The whisky-based Piston Sour is to die for!
Joined by characters such as Frank, an East End Costermonger, Tilley, a music hall star, Vera, a widow in search of adventure and Cliff, a local antique dealer as they embark on the trip of a lifetime.
Guests get to board the train via an elegant dining car, featuring plush booth seating lit by period table lamps.
The menu, designed by BBC One’s MasterChef 2016 finalists, Billy and Jack, is swiftly served as the story of the ‘The Murdér Express’ unfolds.
To start, there is a warming mulligatawny soup, followed by a hearty portion of ‘butler’s steak’. The meal is topped off with a moreish wedge of sweet apple tart.
Commenting on the production, Funicular co-founder and production director Ed Borgnis said: ‘Craig and I are incredibly excited to launch Funicular.
‘We’re working with an extremely talented team and as such the production values of our debut show, ‘The Murdér Express’ will be world class as will the food. It’s a pleasure to have Billy and Jack on board.’
The impressive Funicular set is equipped with eight large format LCD displays in the interior ‘windows’ of the carriage.
Each screen displays custom moving content, in this case to be original footage shot on a heritage steam railway in the Welsh Highlands.
The interior and exterior are equipped with lighting to illuminate the set the mood and accent the features of the train.
Booth tables are lit with period table lamps and from overhead to illuminate the food and drink being served. Lighting on the platform and bar area is provided by period lamp-posts.
The train carriage sound system helps give the sense of movement when on the train and a smoke machines adds to the sense of mystery.
So, sit back and enjoy the ride! This new immersive experience definitely makes for a fun night out. I’d say Funicular and the MasterChef team are on the right track.
The Murder Express is located at Pedley Street Station, Arch 63, Pedley Street, London, E1 5BW
Tickets start from £53. To book visit www.funicularproductions.com
