Count Magnus- Two Ghost Stories (Salford)

Venue: The Lowry
Where: Salford

The stories of M R James are particularly suited to adaptation to an intimate theatre format. After all, the author used to treat his friends to winter readings of his ghost stories.

Sole actor Robert Lloyd Parry does not perform in the character of the author but rather his narrator. The stories are told by a slightly pompous academic who seems more fascinated than horrified by the outcome; as if he is analysing the people involved. The production is an excellent example of how less can be more with great use made of limited props and stark lighting.

The spooky atmosphere is set not by sound effects but gloomy lighting. The stage is illuminated only by candlelight and, as Lloyd Parry is an animated speaker, the actor’s movements dramatically plunge him into shadow. The voice of the actor is not amplified so that the occasional crash or bang makes great impact in the hushed environment.

Lloyd Parry chooses subtly contrasting stories. ‘The Ash Tree’, a story of ghostly revenge over generations, is more typical of traditional gothic tales than those of James. This serves as a warm-up for what most regard as the author’s masterpiece-‘Oh Whistle and I’ll Come to You, My Lad’. Lloyd Parry marvellously communicates the terror experienced by a rational man encountering something beyond his understanding. The horror is made all the more acute by the injustice that the protagonist has committed no offence to merit his suffering.

Although the format of the show seems basic it remains a theatrical experience. Lloyd Parry turns simple props, like handkerchiefs, into spectres and his vigorous performance prevents the show from being just a reading of the stories.

Two Ghost Stories is a perfect entertainment for the time of year when darkness starts to fall more early.

- Dave Cunningham