The Ghost Train (1998) by Arnold Ridley

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Arnold Ridley's popular stage play made its Christmas debut on the BBC back in 1937, when a television production was performed on the 20th and 28th December. A later production was broadcast on Radio 4 on Boxing Day in 1969. This 1998 version was not initially broadcast at Christmas, but in the long afterlife of repeats it was finally given a prominent slot in the Christmas schedules of 2012.
Strictly speaking The Ghost Train is more of a mystery-thriller than a ghost story per se, but I feel this is neither here nor there. However the narrative plays out, the phantom train, and the ominous lore surrounding it, are as much ghostly fun as could reasonably be asked for.
MYSTERIOUS MAGPIE is a channel devoted to ghost and horror stories on British radio, and to dark tales of every kind. I have another channel, MYSTICAL MAGPIE, which is all about stories of fantasy, mythology, and adventure: / @mysticalmagpie-wo5fn
If you're interested to know more about the century-long history of ghost and horror stories broadcast at Christmas on British television and radio, you might like to check out HOLLY WRAITHS (and its companion volume HOLLY TERRORS), an A-Z guide available in paperback and ebook from Amazon and Lulu.com.

[@YvonneWilson312]

Fun fact: Arnold Ridley became beloved by millions as Private Godfrey in the TV series "Dad's Army". Thank you for this upload, it's such an enjoyable play.

[@c.v.yardley]

I thought I recognized the name!

[@jemsalmonphotography]

Fun fact. Ridley had the genesis of this story whilst as a soldier during the war after spending the night on mangotsfield railway station after missing the last train. The track split either side of the now disused station and he could hear a train approaching in the early hours but it never appeared. It had gone down the track to the rear of the station.

[@TheNemocharlie]

A true classic! The characters and plot are completely bonkers but nethertheless it's hugely enjoyable.

[@emmavardy9631]

What always makes me laugh! A comical, classic. I really like Julia‘s character, she’s always fascinated me. Imagine really trying to do a job like that. You would have to be a phenomenal actor to pull a stunt like that OFF right? and the actress who really played her did a phenomenal job. All the actors in this were incredible. Plus, we must never forget the parrot. he was a very important character in the story.

[@mysteriousmagpie]

It's a really good cast, but the lady playing Julia is Emily Joyce, a wonderful actress who ought to be better known - she was particularly impressive in one of the 'Cracker' serials, playing a serial killer obsessed with Robbie Coltrane. One of her odder credits, mind you, is providing the voice of a clockwork robot in Doctor Who...

[@emmavardy9631]

Yes, I know! She is incredible. The whole cast was in this production. It actually made you think that you were there with them. The thing with Julia, in the other bad characters, was The way they pulled off that stunt so well. It makes you wonder, imagine if I was in that situation, would I be able to put on a terrified facade convincing the other people, to suddenly turn at the end like that. Honestly, it is such a fun play.

[@TedaR]

Silly but great fun! Thanks

[@smariegalski3641]

Thank you

[@Soundpj]

Thankyou

[@srinagesht]

Very good humour.

[@angieb7572]

One of my favourites. Cracking 😊

[@susanhooper9209]

Very enjoyable story

[@deniseroper9030]

I really enjoyed that. Perfect.

[@2gunstony22]

It’s a classic 😅

[@emmavardy9631]

The voice of the guards reminds me of Hagrid from Harry Potter. Another hilarious scene is when the grumpy old woman gets high on the alcohol.

[@MrBanjo1954]

Great stuff

[@TedaR]

47:50 Who else immediately thought of the Count? 🙋 😁

[@TedaR]

Just found you. Were you formerly or are you associated with Magpie Audio ? You've done a lot of work here in a short amount of time. Well done & TY 👍 Subbed ✔

[@mysteriousmagpie]

Thank you. No professional association, I just like magpies. I've been collecting radio plays for years, and I was actually surprised at how easy it was to turn them into videos, hence the large number dropped in quick succession...

[@TedaR]

@@mysteriousmagpie Quick reply too ✔👍😊 Magpie Audio is Greg Wagland here on the tube. He's an excellent narrator of primarily Sherlock Holmes. In fact his ch is actually "Sherlock Holmes Stories Magpie Audio". I think his production co is Magpie Audio. Anyway glad i found ya. I'm a longtime attendee (& lover) of the Theater of the Mind. ✔💯👍

[@TedaR]

Rupert's ancestors?! 😁 LOL

[@esterherschkovich6499]

New sub 🙂

[@mysteriousmagpie]

Welcome!!

[@eliotreader8220]

@@mysteriousmagpie love listening to this story written by Arnold Ridley