The Ghost Train

The “Ghost Train” was written over 100 years ago in 1923 and has stood the test of time. Under Alison Millar’s expert direction, the characters, set design, lighting, and costumes all match the era perfectly.

After a passenger pulls the communication cord on the last train to Truro, six passengers are left stranded at a dilapidated station. The stationmaster, Saul Hodgkin, advises them to leave promptly, citing that the station was allegedly haunted. Hodgkin then relates a story from several years ago about a severe train crash resulting in the death of six passengers, who are said to haunt the station every night. Their presence is accompanied by the roar of a train travelling through the station at high speed (great sound effects).   

This company of unfamiliar individuals and clashing personalities gives rise to a tense atmosphere, and every character has reasons for not wanting to be there - but they have no choice.

The actors added a unique individuality to their characters, and each delivered an excellent performance. The dialogue was sharp, clear and true to the time period.

Graham Millar as the stationmaster, Saul Hodgkin, set the scene and storyline perfectly, while at the same time hiding Hodgkin’s true nature. Dan Adamson was perfect as the arrogant businessman, Richard Winthrop, and Shenagh Firth was splendid as his snobby wife, Elsie. I loved her outfit which was a great fit for the character.

Charles and Peggy Murdock have just got married and should be celebrating their honeymoon. An excellent characterisation from Tom Pymer and Kiera Rhodes gave a fine performance as his wife. One of the other stranded passengers is Miss Bourne, a spinster of a certain age, played perfectly by Sue Preston. With a heavy winter coat, fur stole and hat she must have been extremely hot, and even more so when after getting a bit tipsy she has a lie-down and is covered in a blanket. 

The character causing all the mayhem is Teddie Deakin, whose antics and humour annoy the rest of the passengers, but who also has another side to him. A brilliant performance from Paul Voodini.    

As time moves on and the passengers are settling down, a hysterical young lady, Julia Price, bursts onto the scene ranting and raving that someone is out to get her – is she mad or what? Relating the story about the ghost train, she has seen it but is she telling the truth?  Sarah Rose was spot-on with as Julia, especially towards the end of the play.   The person following Price is John Sterling who gives the impression of being a doctor and is looking after her, but this is not true. Phil Ashton’s interpretation was very good.

As with many mystery dramas, there is always an unexpected twist at the conclusion, and this play is no exception. The “ghost train” turned out to be a cover story for a train being used to transport weapons to a hidden location. Hodgkin, Price, and Sterling were all involved in this operation, while Deakin was really a detective. Along with police officer Jackson, portrayed by David Crook, they were present to apprehend the individuals and make arrests. By this time, all the other passengers had made up their differences and went their separate ways.

Ecclesall Players consistently deliver high standards, and this production maintains that tradition. The pace, sound, and lighting effects were well-executed, all under the direction of Alison Millar. Congratulations to everyone involved with this production and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Sue Cox                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

NODA N.E.

Drama Rep Region 14

 

 

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