The Ghost Train (1998) by Arnold Ridley

[@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.

[@smariegalski3641]

Thank you

[@angieb7572]

One of my favourites. Cracking 😊

[@TedaR]

Silly but great fun! Thanks

[@susanhooper9209]

Very enjoyable story

[@deniseroper9030]

I really enjoyed that. Perfect.

[@Soundpj]

Thankyou

[@JavertRA]

The script for this is different somewhat from both the original and revised versions (I'm playing Teddy at the moment, it's quite a scary prospect) particularly the unlikely hero at the end. Cast: Richard Winthrop: Christopher Wright Elsie Winthrop: Tracy Ann Oberman Teddie Deakin: Adam Godley Charles Murdock: David Brooks Peggy Murdock: Alison Pettitt Julia Price: Emily Joyce Miss Bourne: Ann Beach Saul Hodgkin: John Turner Price: Hugh Dickson Sterling: Gerard McDermott Jackson: Brian Parr

[@mysteriousmagpie]

Interesting - do you think the changes in this case are practical concessions to the audio medium, or something more in the area of artistic judgement?

[@JavertRA]

@mysteriousmagpie A combination of both I think; some of it is all the freedom that audio gives (for example in the play Teddy goes to switch the train onto the siding, here he and Richard both run out and you get to see what happens.) If you have a chance to compare the two scripts, theyre also a lot different, Sterling and Mr Price are combined and the whole terrorist element of the arms smuggling plot are excised.

[@obsidiandwarf]

There have been numerous iterations of this story, both stage and film. The film I have seen starred Arthur Askey (I thank you) and Richard Murdoch (Much-Binding-In-The-Marsh). I think Murdoch played your part (Teddy). It was 1939 and there were some changes like, from 'Commies' to 'Nazi's'. If it is not too late JaveIRA, break a leg 😀

[@JavertRA]

@obsidiandwarf Thanks kindly - it went very well, save for an audience member farting loudly during Saul's story - slightly ruined the effect!

[@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.

[@srinagesht]

Very good humour.

[@2gunstony22]

It’s a classic 😅

[@TedaR]

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

[@MrBanjo1954]

Great stuff

[@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.

[@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. ✔💯👍

[@esterherschkovich6499]

New sub 🙂

[@mysteriousmagpie]

Welcome!!

[@eliotreader8220]

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

[@TedaR]

Rupert's ancestors?! 😁 LOL

[@neilkendrick4976]

I liked Arthur Askey in the film of this story.

[@keithtimmins6944]

You're the only one!

[@neilkendrick4976]

@@keithtimmins6944 ah, i sigh at you knowing of of my favourorte film treat dash pleasure. You've made my day!!!

[@neilkendrick4976]

@@keithtimmins6944 fine by me, child.