The Ghost Train

Arnold Ridley wrote The Ghost Train, which was first performed in 1925. During his career Ridley played Private Godfrey in the BBC’s Dad’s Army. This story takes place at a rural railway station and involves a group of travellers that are, potentially, stranded at the station overnight. The Station Master relays to them the unsettling legend of a deadly ghost train that passes through the station and brings death to those who see it. Unperturbed the group decide to stay at the station risking an encounter with the said train. 

Denbigh Phoenix players provided an evening of mystery and intrigue. The scene for the evening was set from the moment the audience entered the auditorium. The use of smoke created a sense of foreboding with the set of the railway station immediately giving us a glimpse of what was to come. The use of lighting and sound to enhance the atmosphere, was excellent throughout the play and added exceptional quality to the production.  

The set was well-suited to the performance, and the actors made effective use of the entire stage. The actors were very well cast and brought their character to life beautifully. The costumes offered an appropriate nod to the period. 

Saul, the railway employee, played by Kevin Dalziel, gave a convincing performance as he introduced us to the story of the Ghost Train. The various characters worked very well together to bring the story to life; Elsie (Annmaria Jones) and Richard (Kevin Taws) were perfect as the disgruntled couple in contrast to Peggy (Cath Bryan) and Charles (Pete Kirkham) the newlyweds who also played their parts beautifully.  

Peter Thorne gave a super performance as the character of Teddie. Providing humorous interludes for the audience while successfully managing to irritate the other characters. A lovely performance. 

The cast of ten including Sue Downes (Miss Bourne), Julia (Rosie Jones), Sterling (Nick Hayes) and Jackson (Dafydd Pesic-Smith), supported each other fully throughout the production. Well done everyone. Overall, the pace was good and, with few exceptions, projection was excellent. I would like to congratulate the Director, John Owen, on this production. The casting and use of sound and lighting was superb and gave an appreciative audience, a wonderful experience of amateur theatre. 

Thank you, Denbigh Phoenix Players, for another enjoyable evening. I look forward to seeing you again soon. 

This views in this report are solely the opinion of the writer.

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