Frome Drama Club presents
THE GHOST TRAIN
By Arnold Ridley
Merlin Theatre 6th, 7th, 8th April
Box office: 013737 465 949
One winter’s night, a very silly man pulls the train’s communication cord, successfully stranding himself and fellow passengers at a remote Cornish station. Forced to occupy the waiting-room until dawn, they learn of the ghost train expected that very night…
Regarded as a modern classic, this comedy thriller written in 1923 by Arnold Ridley (better known as Private Godfrey in Dad’s Army) ran in the West End for 665 performances.
Over 90 years later, the play is ever popular as it recalls the bygone age of steam and combines humour with suspense to evoke giggles and gasps in equal measure.
Ridley based the idea on his experiences while courting a girl in Bath at the end of the First World War. He spent an uncomfortable night at Mangotsfield Junction, near Bristol: “It was just about as lonely as one could imagine… I was awoken by an express rip-roaring by with a flash of lights and a scream of whistle.”
All aboard for some period drama courtesy of award-winning FDC!