Historic railway hosts touch of Hollywood

A touch of Hollywood glamour came to the Midlands when top actors arrived at the historic Severn Valley Railway to shoot a new film.

Film star Michael Sheen was among the well-known names at the railway's Kidderminster station yesterday.

The actor was filming a scene for Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box, a teenage adventure film which entered production in late April.

Also starring in the film are Sam Neill, Lena Heady and Keeley Hawes.

Although they were not seen at the station for yesterday's shoot, a chair bearing Miss Hawes' name was clearly visible on one side of the set.

Crews were due to finish filming at the station today, according to officials. Signs at the station have been temporarily altered by the production team to reflect places in the story.

And for the scene being filmed yesterday afternoon, the platform was packed with extras dressed in Victorian costumes which perfectly matched the setting.

The railway also provided a steam engine and carriages which were also due to be used in the course of filming.

It is the second time this year the station has been visited by a film crew for a major production.

A five-part BBC production, called Dancing on the Edge, directed by Stephen Poliakoff was partially filmed at the railway in February.

The station remained open to the public yesterday with visitors asked to enter the station from a different entrance.

The area where filming was taking place was cordoned off so production was not delayed by passengers using the station.

Operations manager for the railway, Phil Brown, said: "We are delighted the railway is being used to film this major production.

"The shot we have been doing uses green screen so when it is seen on screen the entire station will have a roof added in by digital effects.

"It has been a very exciting shoot and we are glad to be a part of it."