An excellent cast brings out the suspense and humour of Arnold Ridley’s 1923 comedy-thriller The Ghost Train.
Obviously this spine-chiller about six travellers who miss their connection and are forced to spend a stormy night in remote Cornish railway station waiting room is dated. But Jeffrey Holland’s dour stationmaster skilfully creates the tension and he increases it by recounting the tale of a phantom train that brought death and destruction.
It is only eased by the comic capers of silly ass Teddie Deakin and eccentric Miss Bourne, superbly played by Tom Butcher and Jeffrey Holland’s wife Judy Buxton. Teddie’s crass remarks and outrageous dress, complete with plus-fours, irritate his companions, while Miss Bourne milks the laughs with her parrot in a cage and brandy guzzling.
Ben Roddy and Corrinne Wicks, as a squabbling couple, and Chris Sheridan and Sophie Powles, playing newlyweds, bring realism to this spooky tale with a double twist.
They respond superbly to the direction of Patric Kearns to make the most of a basic set and effects, presumably dictated by production company Talking Scarlet’s budget. But the costumes are authentic, and the cast has the knack of making us use our imaginations to the full.
Four stars
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