A historic railway tunnel beneath Brighton’s main station will serve as the venue for a theatrical interpretation of Charles Dickens’ gothic short story.
The production runs from October 15 through November 8, transforming the disused subterranean passage into a performance space.
The production, staged by Brighton-based company Hydrocracker Productions, presents a new adaptation of the 1866 ghost story.
Dickens composed the tale following his survival of a railway accident in Kent, an experience that left him psychologically scarred and instilled in him a lasting apprehension about train journeys.
The narrative centres on a railway employee confronted by a spectral figure that materialises prior to devastating accidents on the tracks.
A dubious newcomer attempts to provide logical explanations for the supernatural occurrences but ultimately encounters disturbing questions that exceed his ability to resolve them.
The cast features Oliver Clayton, recognized for his work on Netflix’s Black Doves, alongside Jem Wall, who divides his time between Brighton and acting and directing work, with credits including Game of Thrones and EastEnders.
Nathan Crossan-Smith, whose directorial background encompasses the Royal Opera House and Liverpool Everyman, takes charge of the production.
Jonathan Holloway, who has earned the Edinburgh Fringe First Award three times, provides the adaptation, having originally developed the piece for BBC Radio 4.
Funding support comes from the GTR Rail 200 Improvement Fund.
Ticket prices commence at £20.
An accessible performance incorporating British Sign Language interpretation is scheduled for November 6.
