The Ghost Train At Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Is Highly Entertaining

It’s 1925. It’s windy and wet. Flickering lights introduce us to the small general waiting room at a remote Cornish train station called Fal Vale. The scene is set and the story begins. The Ghost Train is not terrifying, as its name may suggest, but it is thrilling, mysterious, and highly addictive. Written by Arnold Ridley (Godfrey from Dad’s Army), the current production by talking Scarlet cleverly embraces the text, allowing the minds of the audience to take flight as vital information is withheld and old tales retold.

The production features a stellar cast of 11; fine actors who each portray their roles a little too well. The audience are quickly introduced to Elsie and Richard Winthrop (played by Corrinne Wicks and Ben Roddy), Peggy and Charles Murdock (played by Sophie Powles and Chris Sheridan), Miss Bourne (played by Judy Buxton), Saul Hodgkin the Station Master (played by Jeffrey Holland) and a mysterious chap who is somewhat irritable and a tad eccentric (played by Tom Butcher). He proves himself quite the joker as he ruffles the feathers of those around him, providing the audience with subtle humour to lighten the mood.

Costumes are well designed by Geoff Gilder; from smart tailoring to fur and cloche hats, the era is well depicted. Directed by Patric Kearns the stage is used effectively and the wide set sits comfortably providing great views from every seat. Lighting design by Dave North allows our imaginations to bring the outside locomotives to life, and as the story unfolds our minds grow; consumed by superstition we long for answers.

The Ghost Train will have you laughing, puzzled, and questioning fate. A hugely entertaining light-hearted horror with nervous thrills, it is a journey we would hate for you to miss.

talking Scarlet’s production of The Ghost Train runs at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry until Saturday 16 May. To book call the Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or visit http://www.belgrade.co.uk/event/the-ghost-train.