The Ghost Train

The Ghost Train, said to be “one of the scariest plays of all time”, is brought to life with lots of chills by Harbour Theatre.

The story of a collection of travellers, stranded at an isolated station overnight in some very spooky circumstances, is given credibility with some of the best technical teamwork of the year, with lighting and sound design by Rob Tagliaferri and Vanessa Gudgeon helping to create some frightening effects.

Peter Kirkwood’s set nicely recreates an old English station waiting room, with costumes transporting us back to the 1920s.

Our travellers are - honeymooners Peggy and Charles, nicely created by Solonje Burns and Liam Crevola, working well together again; bickering couple Elsie and Richard, well played by Andrea O’Donnell and Rob Jackson; conservative spinster Miss Bourne, a lovely Tina Barker; and perhaps the most annoying person imaginable to be stuck with overnight - Teddie, played with a twist by Ben Lowther.

Tom Rees as Saul, the Station Master, does a good job in establishing the scare factor, and later in the show we meet some interesting locals including a seemingly disturbed Julia (Meredith Hunter), Sterling (Paul Cook) and Herbert Price (Marcus McGavock). Jamie Lang in a stage debut, and Shaun Griffin (pulling double duty as Stage Manager) complete the cast.

This minor classic keeps the audience engaged throughout, and there is some great teamwork, especially among the six central characters. A show that is a little different, and perhaps not for the faint hearted. Well worth a look.

Kimberley Shaw