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Baz Luhrmann Crafts a Moving Stage: A New 'Celia' Carriage Joins the British Pullman

Conde Nast TravelerThursday, February 12, 2026
Baz Luhrmann Crafts a Moving Stage: A New 'Celia' Carriage Joins the British Pullman

In the world of luxury rail travel, the British Pullman has long set the standard. Its vintage carriages, restored from the 1920s and '30s, offer a moving portrait of elegance as they glide past English meadows and villages. This summer, that portrait gains a new, dramatic brushstroke.

Come 2026, the train will introduce 'Celia,' a private dining carriage conceived by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his wife, Oscar-winning designer Catherine Martin. They transformed a 1932 Pullman car into a rolling tribute to 1930s London theatre. The concept orbits a fictional star, Celia, a celebrated actress gifted this carriage after a triumphant performance as Shakespeare's Titania.

The space blends a cocktail bar, lounge, and dining area into a single, immersive set. Luhrmann describes it as a 'magical mystery tour,' where guests become part of an unfolding story. 'It's a playful and exceptionally unique way to explore the UK, at your own pace,' he said. The design, realized by artisans selected by the couple, weaves references to British landscape and legend into its fabric.

Exclusive hire of Celia, which accommodates up to twelve, begins at £15,000. The price includes a tailored journey from London Victoria, with options for private chefs, live music, and theatrical performances. It's less a simple train car and more a private, mobile theatre where the ever-changing view provides the ultimate backdrop.

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