Murder mystery evenings aboard Kent & East Sussex Railway sell out — fifth date added for September

The Kent and East Sussex Railway has announced a fifth date for its popular Murder Mystery evening after all four original performances sold out, with the additional event scheduled for Friday 19 September 2026.

The evening departs from Tenterden Town Station at 7pm and is expected to return at approximately 9.45pm, offering passengers an immersive theatrical experience aboard one of the region's most beloved heritage lines.

The production is written and performed by the Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society, a community theatre company known locally as BLODS, whose performers bring the story to life as the train travels through the Wealden countryside. Set in the 1950s, the show centres on the mysterious murder of a railway signaller, with actors moving through the carriages dropping clues and engaging passengers in lively discussion as the investigation unfolds.

Every ticket-holder receives a police-style evidence pack to help them piece together the events of the fictional crime, adding an interactive element that has clearly struck a chord with audiences. A two-course dining option is also available on board, making the evening a complete night out for those wishing to combine theatre with supper as the steam railway winds through the darkened Kentish landscape.

The railway's Visitor Experience Manager described the response to the original four dates as something that had genuinely taken the team by surprise, saying that they had been blown away by the positive reaction and that they were delighted BLODS had been able to make an additional date available to meet the demand.

It is easy to see why the event has proved so appealing. Tenterden's high street and surrounding area already draw visitors throughout the year, and the town's station — a handsome starting point for any journey on the heritage line — lends itself naturally to an evening of period drama and intrigue. The combination of a working steam railway, vintage setting, and a well-crafted whodunit appears to have created something that locals and visitors alike have been keen to experience.

Those interested in attending the 19 September performance are advised to book promptly, given the speed with which the earlier dates filled. Tickets for the two-course dining option should also be secured in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Murder Mystery evenings represent the kind of community-minded, creative programming that continues to make the Kent and East Sussex Railway a highlight of life in and around Tenterden — not simply a transport attraction, but a living part of the town's cultural character.