The Mad Bess Express was the creative concept of Sam Webb, he also developed the narrative for the first show that would end up becoming an annual event.
Argosy brought to life a unique tale aboard the Ruislip Lido Railway mixed with ghosts, zombies, special effects and story telling.
Throughout the years there has been much speculation as to who 'Mad Bess' actually was. Many local people had their own stories to tell about Mad Bess. Sam contacted the local history society to find out more about her.
Using the legend of Mad Bess as a basic storyline and through workshops and scripted work, Argosy developed and structured a narrative to include other characters and non scripted parts.
The show proved very successful with the audience, with all the shows selling out.
Mad Bess in action scaring the passengers aboard the train
The Ramblers
Creepy figure at the end of the journey
Read a full revew of the show
here from the National Operatic
& Dramatic Association.
The train disappears into the darkness of the woods, it evenually stops at Haste Hill station. Two ramblers greet the train, warning no one to go any further, but the journey continues......
As the train slows down, a figure emerges from the wood, 'Mad Bess' in a chilling voice warning the passengers to get out of her woods.
The train slowly heads back to the station one of the ramblers is dead on the platform, zombies attack the train. The train picks up speed, all is normal until it stops. Out of the darknees more zombies attack. The train starts moving again.....
The passengers, at this point think their terrifing experience is over, until a creepy white faced figure with a chain saw attacks the train as it passes by.
