Disused Railway Arches? They're The Perfect Film Location
Deep in the heart of the countryside ...
Posted by David Pibworth on 28/02/2023 @ 8:00AM
If you are organising a film, TV or photo shoot and you are looking for a unique, outdoor location, then look no further than The Arches Theatre. Our four beautiful disused railway arches near Milton Keynes would be the perfect back drop to your next film or photography project ...
Our disused railway arches are in use for only six weeks throughout the year to stage incredible outdoor theatre and music performances!
Surrounded by tranquil parkland, picturesque views of the old market town of Olney, and the River Great Ouse flowing alongside... it really is picture-perfect and ideal as your next film location. Please take a look at our gallery to see some photographs and aerial footage of the arches and the surrounding space to give you an idea of what is available.
"How do you get here?"
We are located in the small village of Clifton Reynes near Milton Keynes. Approximately 90 minutes from London by car via the M1 (J14). It's well worth the journey! If taking the train, the best station to reach is Milton Keynes Central, around 30 minutes from Euston, and then 20 minutes onto Clifton Reynes by car. You can also travel from Kings Cross to Bedford, which takes around 40mins. Followed by a 20-minute car journey to Clifton Reynes.
The disused railway arches are in use for only six weeks throughout the year to stage incredible outdoor theatre and music performances. This year The Arches Theatre 2023 summer schedule runs from the 27th of July until the 2nd of September.
"Ideally, we'd like to hire the location outside of these dates, but we will try our very best to accommodate you!"
There are also points in winter when the location will be unavailable for hire. Our disused railway arches are part of an old flood bridge, so the land around it is prone to flooding. Do get in touch if you'd like further information or if you would like to come for a recce, please get in touch.
We would love to show you around and hear about your next film, TV or photo project.
Until next time ...
DAVID PIBWORTH
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more about our disused railway arches at The Arches Theatre, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 07879 414110 or 01234 241357 and let's see how I can help.
David is the owner and Artistic Director of The Arches Theatre in Clifton Reynes near Milton Keynes. Productions are underneath some flood arches on the disused Midland railway line (Bedford to Northampton). It is equidistant from Bedford, Northampton and Milton Keynes. You bring your food, drink and chairs and enjoy the varied shows that are produced. This year - 2022 - there are 12 productions on throughout the season, from Shakespeare to Ripping Yarns plus a music weekend.
David has been involved in 'Light Ent' for many years, working with Ray Galton and Alan Simpson adapting the scripts of 'Steptoe and Son' and those of Tony Hancock to the stage. He has produced shows for Norman Wisdom (which makes him feel old), Al Murray, and Joe Pasquale amongst others, and also worked in the music business promoting and producing shows with Chas and Dave, Neil Inness, Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and others of that ilk.
He is also the director of a film school for young people in his home town of Olney as well as supporting many local events.
He recently negotiated permission from Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais to stage a short run of 'Porridge' on stage which proved a success.
This year the annual charity performance at The Arches Theatre will be the last of 'Ripping Yarns' by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with the profits being donated to The National Brain Appeal' for research into dementia as David's father and uncle died of it, as did Michael Palin's friend and writing partner Terry Jones. Last year they raised an astonishing £10,000 and are hoping to get somewhere close again with the support of audiences and sponsors.
David also has a stage hire company and his wife Julie runs a livery yard, so they are surrounded by horses, dogs, light entertainment and and a 17 year old daughter.
He plays in a comedy jazz band and collects strange props such as the Spitting Image puppets of Denis Thatcher and Alan Bennett, the child catchers bike from the stage show of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and various other 'things' all of which he sells to raise money for the Arches Theatre, although he always finds it hard to part from these props. However as the theatre receives no funding at all, he is always devising ways to keep it going! Sponsors are always welcome!
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