As the stage was completed, with Ellen's iconic metallic blue logo shining brightly on the platform, the preparations were finally coming to a close. The outdoor set at Ulfstead Castle was alive with bustling crew members making final adjustments, and the excitement was palpable.
Backstage, Ellen was putting the finishing touches on her preparations while the engines waited eagerly nearby. Soon, the audience began to file in, the energy building with each passing moment. Annie and Clarabel were filled with attendees, their voices humming with excitement.
When everything was in place, the crowd erupted into cheers. Annie and Clarabel shook slightly with joy as they joined in, their enthusiasm matching the audience's. The engines proudly tooted their whistles, creating a celebratory fanfare that echoed across the castle grounds.
Thomas, who had been chosen by Ellen herself to serve as the show's announcer, waited eagerly near a small raised platform just beside the outdoor stage. A microphone had been set up for him, perfectly positioned so his cheerful voice would carry to the audience. From his spot, Thomas could see the massive stage, the audience settling in, and the sunlight glinting off Ellen's logo like a beacon of excitement.
His wheels clicked with anticipation as he practiced his lines quietly to himself. He was determined to do his best for Ellen and for everyone on Sodor. It wasn't time yet, but Thomas felt proud to be such an important part of the show.
The engines, the crowd, and the crew all seemed to sense the moment approaching. The big event was almost ready to begin.
The show's theme played on the amplifiers as the cheering continued, echoing across the castle grounds. The engines tooted their whistles proudly while Annie and Clarabel cheered along with the audience. The lyrics rang out clearly on the amplifiers:
"Let's have a little fun
Today
Yeah yeah
Let's give a little love
Away"
The music filled the air, carrying the excitement of the moment. The engines' whistles, the crowd's ongoing cheers, and the lively tune made it clear—the show was about to begin. Thomas smiled proudly as he waited for his cue, ready to announce this special moment on Sodor.
After the theme finished its first round, it was then replaced by the upbeat starting drumbeat of the theme.
Thomas's cheerful voice rang out through the amplifiers, clear and proud: "From the Ulfstead Castle Grounds on the Island of Sodor, here she is now—Ellen DeGeneres!"
The crowd erupted into even louder cheers, their excitement reaching new heights. The engines whistled joyfully in celebration as the theme transitioned into its looped version, filling the air with energy.
Thomas puffed back to his spot next to Annie and Clarabel, his steam hissing happily as he joined in with the others, tooting his whistle along with Gordon, Percy, James, Emily, and the rest of the engines.
Ellen came running out onto the stage, her signature smile beaming as she waved to the crowd. She was clearly thrilled, her energy infectious as she jogged from one side of the stage to the other, waving excitedly to the audience and giving a playful wave toward the engines as well.
The cheers, the whistles, and the music created a scene of pure joy, marking the start of something truly special on the Island of Sodor.
"Thank you very much! Thank you!" Ellen shouted, her voice carrying over the wild atmosphere.
The energy was electric as the audience, engines, and Annie and Clarabel continued their enthusiastic cheers.
After about a minute, the music faded out, though the cheering persisted for a few more seconds before everyone began to settle down.
Ellen grinned brightly, her arms raised in a welcoming gesture. "Thank you very much, have a seat, everyone. And yes, welcome to the show from the Island of Sodor!"
This prompted another loud cheer from the audience, accompanied by a chorus of happy whistles from the engines. Annie and Clarabel couldn't help but cheer as well, their excitement still bubbling over.
Ellen waited for the noise to subside, her smile never fading, as the show truly began.
"Now, as you people watching know, we do have staff that build our special stages when we do stuff like this," Ellen began with a playful grin, "but this time, we had a little extra help."
The audience chuckled softly, and Ellen gestured dramatically toward the engines behind her.
"That's right—these amazing trains helped deliver everything you see here. From the stage equipment to the lights, cameras, and even you, the audience! I mean, who needs trucks when you have these hardworking engines, right?"
The crowd cheered again, and the engines tooted their whistles proudly in response. Annie and Clarabel joined in with their own cheerful calls.
Ellen turned back to the audience with a gleam in her eye. "And I've got to say, I've never hosted a show where the crew literally runs on steam. I think I'm spoiled now!"
This earned a wave of laughter from the crowd and the engines, who were clearly enjoying the attention.
"I know you're probably thinking, 'How did Ellen even find out about Sodor beforehand? Does she search on Google Maps or something in her free time?'"
The audience chuckled at the thought of Ellen casually browsing for remote islands on a map.
"Which, I'm sure you know, the engines here are probably hearing about that company for the first time, via me," Ellen continued with a grin, glancing at Thomas and the other engines.
The engines let out a short, playful laugh in agreement, adding their own cheerful toots to the moment.
Ellen laughed, enjoying the lighthearted moment. "But no, folks, I didn't find Sodor on a map. No, I was lucky enough to be invited here to this wonderful island—and I've got to say, it's been an absolute blast so far! I mean, trains and coaches that can talk? That's a whole new level of fun."
The audience laughed along with Annie and Clarabel and cheered, and Ellen gave a quick wink toward the engines. "But I think the real question is… do they know about my show? Or is this just another day on Sodor?"
The engines, clearly loving the attention, gave another round of whistles in unison.
Ellen stood tall with a grin, ready for one of her favorite segments. "Now, folks, you know I love to keep things lighthearted. And while we have all these amazing engines and a fantastic audience here, I think it's time to take a little break and laugh at some things we definitely weren't expecting to see this week. You know, memes—the universal language of the internet, where everything from cats wearing hats to highly questionable fashion choices come together in perfect harmony. And I'm sure, as engines who've seen it all, Thomas and the gang here are about to see a whole new world of… well, let's say artistic expression. It's time for…"
Ellen paused for dramatic effect, letting the suspense build.
"Here's Your Meme!"
The crowd erupted in applause, and even the engines seemed to puff out some extra steam in excitement.
As the segment's short theme played, the crowd erupted into cheers once more. The upbeat jingle filled the air, signaling the start of Ellen's beloved segment. The engines tooted cheerfully in time with the music, while Thomas beamed proudly from his spot beside Annie and Clarabel.
Ellen turned to face the audience with a playful smile. "You know, there's something truly special about memes. They're like steam engines—reliable, everywhere you look, and sometimes they blow a little too much steam."
The audience laughed, and Ellen added, "And in honor of being here on Sodor, let's see if these memes can impress our hard-working friends behind my viewers."
With a wave of her hand, the first meme popped up on the large screen beside her.
"'I think you gave Thomas the wrong coal,'" she read aloud. Everyone, including the engines, Annie, and Clarabel, broke into laughter as Thomas's face appeared on the screen.
His usually cheerful and innocent demeanor had been replaced with slightly open eyes staring off into the distance, paired with an unnervingly big grin. The combination gave the impression that something was very off about him, as if he were acting erratic or disoriented.
Thomas laughed along with the crowd, his whistle letting out a few cheerful toots. "I don't know what's wrong with me in that picture!" he chuckled, looking slightly embarrassed but still enjoying the fun.
Ellen grinned at him. "Oh, Thomas, I think you're just showing off your 'mysterious side'! But hey, I can't blame you—sometimes we all need a little mystery in our lives."
Annie and Clarabel, positioned next to Thomas, joined in the laughter. "Thomas, you do look a bit different there," Annie teased, her voice light and playful.
Thomas puffed steam in mock indignation. "I'm perfectly fine!" he insisted, but the big grin on his face betrayed him, and he couldn't help laughing at the absurdity of the meme.
The audience continued to laugh, the infectious energy carrying through the air as the segment rolled on, everyone in on the fun.
Ellen's eyes lit up mischievously as she prepared to introduce the next meme. "Alright, folks, this next one is truly one of a kind," she began, her voice dripping with dramatic flair. "It's not like any engine here on Sodor—or in any world, really. It's… a shape shifter!"
The audience chuckled, unsure of what was coming next.
As the next meme faded in, Ellen read aloud: "When you mistype 'triangle' as 'traingle.'"
The crowd erupted into laughter as the image on the screen revealed an engine, but not just any engine—it had been edited into the shape of a perfect triangle. Its wheels were awkwardly placed at each corner, making it look like an engine had tried to fit into a geometric shape that just didn't quite work.
Percy looked at the screen in confusion, his eyes widening. "Well, I guess I've never seen a triangle engine before!" he joked, puffing steam in amusement.
Ellen chuckled, holding up her hands as if she were admiring a masterpiece. "Hey, it's got wheels! What more do you need?"
Annie and Clarabel giggled. "That's one way to make an engine more pointed," Clarabel teased.
The audience was still laughing as the hilariously mismatched image lingered on the screen. "I think we've found Sodor's first geometric engine," Ellen added, wiping away a tear from laughing so hard. "Maybe we can call it… Triangle Thomas?"
The crowd's laughter grew louder, and the engines tooted in amusement, enjoying the lighthearted fun.
"Imagine if there were an engine with a triangular face!" Edward remarked, his tone light and amused.
"Oh, that would be amazing!" Henry added with a chuckle. "Though I'd hate to see how it fits through tunnels."
The crowd burst into laughter again, and even Gordon couldn't resist joining in. "I don't think that engine would fit on our tracks very well," he joked, puffing a playful stream of steam.
Ellen grinned, pointing at the screen. "Well, you'd better watch out, guys—this 'traingle' engine might roll its way onto Sodor and steal your thunder!"
The audience roared with laughter as the engines exchanged mock looks of concern, clearly enjoying the playful banter.
"Finally, confusion and delay, anyone?" Ellen continued, her voice teasing as the image faded to the next meme. "According to Sir Topham Hatt's famous phrase…"
The crowd leaned in, eager to see what was next.
The final meme appeared on the screen—a train driving up a hill, but there were no rails beneath it, just an open incline leading to nowhere. The text read, "'Rails? Where we're going, we don't need rails!'"
The audience burst into laughter at the absurdity of the image, and Emily's eyes widened in mock horror. "Well, that's one way to travel off the beaten track!" she exclaimed, laughing in amusement.
Ellen laughed, glancing over at the engines. "I think this is the kind of ride even you wouldn't sign up for, huh?"
Annie and Clarabel giggled together. "That's one wild detour!" Clarabel said, still chuckling.
"Looks like someone forgot to check the tracks before heading out," Ellen added with a wink. "But hey, sometimes you've just got to roll with it!"
The audience roared with laughter, and even Sir Topham Hatt, who had been watching from the wings, couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected chaos.
As the cheers from the crowd began to settle, Ellen stood center stage with a bright smile, clearly ready to introduce the next segment.
"Alright, folks! Now, we've had memes, we've had laughs, and now it's time to put your knowledge of this magical island to the test. You've probably noticed by now that Sodor isn't your average place—it's full of talking engines, picturesque scenery, and the occasional confusion and delay." She gave the audience a knowing look, prompting another round of laughter.
"Now, some of you probably think you know all about Sodor just because you've been watching Thomas and his friends since you were three. Well, not so fast! This island has history, it has mystery, and if you've been paying attention during the tour, you might even get one or two questions right." Ellen paused for comedic timing. "And if not, don't worry—you'll at least have fun embarrassing yourself in front of millions of people. It's a game I've come up with and it's called "Sodor Trivia!"
After the segment's theme played, the music faded out as Ellen continued. "Here's how this works: I'm going to pick two lucky audience members to come up here and battle it out in the ultimate Sodor Trivia Showdown! I'll ask a series of questions about the Island of Sodor—places, engines, landmarks—and you've got to answer as many as you can before the timer runs out. You'll each get one minute—yes, just sixty seconds—so think fast!"
She raised her hand dramatically for effect. "Whoever answers the most questions correctly wins this—" she gestured offstage as a crew member brought out a shining golden whistle trophy. "The coveted Sodor Golden Whistle Trophy, a collector's item I'm pretty sure I made up this morning." The audience burst into laughter again, and Ellen playfully shushed them.
"Alright, let's see who's brave enough to come up here. Who thinks they know their Sodor facts? Raise your hands!"
Ellen scanned the crowd and pointed to the first contestant. "You! Yes, you in the front row! Come on up!" The audience cheered as the first contestant walked up to the stage.
"Hi there! What's your name?" Ellen asked with a friendly smile.
"My name's Samantha," the contestant replied.
"And what do you do, Samantha?"
"I'm a teacher!" Samantha said enthusiastically. "I teach history to middle schoolers, so I guess I know a thing or two about history, but Sodor is a whole new world for me!"
Ellen chuckled. "Well, history buffs usually make great trivia players, so we'll see how you do!" She gave Samantha a thumbs up and turned to the second contestant.
"You there, in the red shirt! Come on up!" Ellen pointed at the second contestant, who made their way to the stage to a round of applause.
"Alright, what's your name?" Ellen asked.
"My name's Greg," the contestant replied.
"And what do you do, Greg?"
"I'm a graphic designer, but I love trains, so this is right up my alley!" Greg said with a grin.
"Well, I'm sure that design background will help you with the questions!" Ellen responded with a wink.
The two contestants took their places, and the audience's excitement grew. Ellen clapped her hands together.
"Alright, here's how it's going to work! I'll ask a series of questions about the Island of Sodor—engines, stations, landmarks, you name it! You've got sixty seconds on the clock, and whoever gets the most answers correct wins the Golden Whistle Trophy!"
The timer counted down, and the first question was fired off! The game was on.
The question displayed on the screen with the three choice answers as Ellen read it aloud.
"In 1914, Sodor and Mainland Railway merged with other railways to form which one of these landmarks?
A) The North Western Railway
B) The Tidmouth and Wellsworth Line
C) The Sodor United Transport Company"
She then smiled and gestured toward Samantha. "Alright, Samantha, you get the first pick."
Samantha tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… I'm going to go with B.
Ellen nodded, then turned to Greg. "Alright, Greg, your turn. What's your final answer?"
Greg furrowed his brow. "I think it's A."
Ellen glanced dramatically between the two contestants. "Two different guesses… one of you is right… and the correct answer is…" She paused for effect as the audience leaned in.
"A! The North Western Railway!"
The audience cheered as Greg pumped his fist in excitement. Samantha gave a playful shrug.
"Nice job, Greg! That's one point for you," Ellen said as the scoreboard updated. "Don't worry, Samantha—there are plenty more questions to go!"
The timer ticked down to 45 seconds as the screen transitioned to the next question. Ellen read it aloud with enthusiasm: "During the Middle Ages, Ulfstead Castle was Sodor's ruling grounds, and it still is to this day, and it was ruled by...
A) King Godred
B) Duke Fergus
C) Lord Reginald"
Ellen gestured toward Greg this time. "Alright, Greg, you're up first this round. What's your final answer?"
Greg thought for a moment, rubbing his chin. "Hmm… I'm going with A, King Godred."
Ellen nodded and turned to Samantha. "Samantha, your turn! What's your final answer?"
Samantha smiled. "I'm going to take a wild guess and say C, Lord Reginald."
Ellen paused dramatically, looking at the audience. "Two different answers again… but the correct answer is…"
She pointed to the screen as it flashed the correct answer: A) King Godred!
The crowd erupted in cheers as Greg gave a victorious grin.
"Greg scores another point!" Ellen exclaimed as the scoreboard updated. "Samantha, you've still got time to catch up!"
The timer ticked down to 30 seconds, and the game rolled on.
The timer continued its countdown, now showing 30 seconds remaining, as the screen transitioned to the next question. Ellen read aloud:
"Which real-life English town is connected to the Island of Sodor via a bridge?
A) Barrow-in-Furness
B) Bridlington
C) Brighton"
Ellen turned to Samantha. "Samantha, it's your turn to answer first. What's your final answer?"
Samantha pondered briefly. "I'm going to go with A, Barrow-in-Furness."
Ellen then looked at Greg. "Greg, your choice?"
Greg considered his options. "I'll choose B, Bridlington."
Ellen smiled, building anticipation. "The correct answer is..."
The screen displayed: A) Barrow-in-Furness.
The audience applauded as Samantha celebrated her correct answer.
"Well done, Samantha! That's a point for you," Ellen announced as the scoreboard updated. "Greg, it's still anyone's game!"
With 20 seconds left on the clock, the competition intensified as they moved to the next question.
"Before coming to Sodor, where did Toby the Tram Engine use to work?
A) Wisbech and Upwell Tramway
B) Great Yarmouth Harbour
C) London Underground."
From the audience, Thomas whispered to Percy, "Ooh, Toby would be excited to see this," which made Percy chuckle quietly.
Ellen turned to Samantha. "Samantha."
Samantha furrowed her brow in thought. "I'm going to go with A, Wisbech and Upwell Tramway."
Ellen nodded and looked to Greg. "Greg, what about you?"
Greg considered for a moment. "I'm picking B, Great Yarmouth Harbour."
Ellen leaned forward for dramatic effect. "The correct answer is…"
The screen flashed: B) Great Yarmouth Harbour!
The audience erupted into cheers as Greg celebrated his win.
"Greg gets another point! Toby's definitely smiling from wherever he is," Ellen said with a laugh as the scoreboard updated.
With just 10 seconds left, the final question loomed, ready to determine the winner of the golden whistle trophy.
The timer was ticking down with only 10 seconds left as Ellen quickly read the final question:
"Alright, gotta be fast!" Ellen said with a grin, glancing at the screen. "Which of these engines has visited the Talyllyn Railway?
A) Sir Handel
B) Rheneas
C) Rusty
D) Ivo Hugh."
"Greg!" Ellen called out.
Greg quickly replied, "I'm going with B, Rheneas!"
Ellen nodded and turned to Samantha. "Samantha, what's your answer?"
Samantha confidently said, "I'll pick A, Sir Handel."
The timer ticked down to zero as Ellen announced, "Alright, the correct answer is..."
The screen flashed: A) Sir Handel!
The audience erupted into applause as Samantha cheered. Greg clapped for her, but with the answer revealing, it was clear that Samantha had gotten it wrong and Greg had scored the point.
"Greg takes it, folks, with 3 points!" Ellen announced, as the scoreboard flashed: Greg – 3, Samantha – 2.
"Well done, Greg!" Ellen said, as she walked over and handed him the golden whistle trophy.
Greg beamed with pride, holding the trophy high.
"Well, since both of you did such a great job, how about a round of applause for our two players today!" Ellen said, gesturing to both contestants.
The audience cheered as Greg held the trophy proudly while Samantha gave a big smile, clapping for her fellow contestant.
"Great job, both of you!" Ellen continued. "We've got more fun coming up, we'll be right back!"
The audience cheered again as the segment wrapped up and the engines tooted their whistles in celebration.
The show's instrumental theme played as the host shared a hug with each of the two audience members, celebrating their friendly competition and the fun they'd had together on the Island of Sodor.