A new chapter in rail romance begins as Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin introduce Celia, an extraordinary reimagining of a 1932 Pullman carriage for the Belmond British Pullman. Conceived as an immersive luxury train experience, the carriage transforms travel into theatre, blending filmic storytelling with the grandeur of 1930s glamour.
Now available for private hire from London Victoria, Celia invites up to 12 guests to step inside a fully realized fictional world—one that blurs the boundaries between cinema, performance, and the ritual of journeying by rail.
A luxury train experience inspired by theatre and film
Imagined by Luhrmann and his longtime creative partner Catherine Martin, the carriage is built around the character of Celia, an invented West End star of the early 1930s who once played Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Drawing on Art Deco elegance, Shakespearean fantasy, and vintage cinema, the design channels the golden age of rail travel through a highly stylized narrative lens.
Luhrmann describes the project as a “magical mystery tour,” designed to make passengers feel as though they have stepped into a story rather than simply boarded a train. The concept pays homage to Britain’s theatrical heritage while celebrating the craftsmanship of the original Pullman cars—icons of early 20th-century engineering and luxury.
The ultimate dining train in motion
At its heart, Celia is an opulent dining train carriage conceived for private celebrations and bespoke events. By day, it serves as an elegant reception space; by evening, it transforms into an intimate venue for candlelit dinners, champagne toasts, and immersive performances.
The interior is richly appointed with elaborate fabrics, bold jewel-toned colors, and custom detailing executed by British artisans. A personal cocktail bar anchors the lounge, while a refined dining area and flexible performance space allow hosts to curate anything from milestone birthdays to theatrical soirées as the train glides through the English countryside.Through this collaboration, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin once again demonstrate their mastery of world-building. With Celia, they have redefined the idea of the Luxury train experience, transforming a historic Pullman carriage into a living, breathing love letter to cinema, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of travel.
Courtesy of BELMOND BRITISH PULLMAN
