The Ghost Train

An open stage showing a dingy waiting room at a West Country railway station greets the eye as one enters the theatre. A really good clean and a lick of paint would not be amiss, but this set was truly superb and gave much to the visual senses as a major part of the play. Doors were slammed shut but the set never moved. It was particularly well lit, dim and smoky with the sound effects of the rushing ghost train being so realistic and the clever use again of lighting as we saw the train passing through the station.

Keith Lowe as the station master gave a very controlled performance, trying his best to ensure that the stranded passengers left as soon as possible whilst keeping his own dark secrets under wraps. Richard Winthrop and his wife, Elsie ( Chris Dibbs & Liz Marland) annoyed at having to spend a night in such a daunting situation, entered with an argument, obviously started on the train  re their possibility of a divorce and this carried on throughout the action at a very loud level only quietening on the odd occasion as fear of the unknown entered their lives.

Gareth Wilby and Katy Ryan as the newly married couple gave creditable performances whilst Jools Greenwood showed her talents for comedy even though she was asleep during most of Act 3 as a result of overindulging in a flask of brandy.

John de Tute as Teddie Deakin expanded his already well known talent with a convincing performance of a typical nineteen twenties upper class buffoon, fooling everyone until the last scene when he is revealed as an undercover detective on the trail of West Country smugglers and revolutionaries.

Mark Marland and Joe Greco brought a sinister approach as the  two villains but Joanna Goldson as Julia Price gave an out standing performance as a troubled young lady who eventually turns out to be yet another villain.

The costumes had been researched well and gave an air of authenticity.

This was indeed an excellent performance by all concerned and has added to the Players reputation.

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