19.04.12
'Entertrainment' for Blackfriars commuters
Network Rail has pulled out all the stops in its bid to mark the opening of Blackfriars south station, by hosting Shakespearian comedy sessions and a novelty hip-hop act on Thameslink trains to keep commuters entertained.
Passengers are being treated today to short acts from the Shakespeare play Two Gentleman of Verona on trains in and out of Blackfriars, each scene lasting two to four minutes.
Laurence Whitbourn, Network Rail project director for Blackfriars, said: “The opening of the south station has made Blackfriars a cultural gateway, bringing people on the Thameslink route within easy reach of some of the very best culture thatLondonhas to offer. We wanted to make the daily grind of the commute a bit more fun and demonstrate the kind of entertainment that is now directly accessible from Blackfriars.”
Commuters alighting at Blackfriars South platform will then be serenaded by hip hop comedy duo, Abandoman, performing under the guise of First Capital Connect station staff.
Neil Constable, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s Globe, comments: “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail to raise the profile of Blackfriars South Station and the quick and easy access it offers to Bankside’s cultural heart.
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