Told by an Idiot and the Royal Exchange Theatre present

THE GHOST TRAIN

  • By Arnold Ridley
  • 14 May 2015 - 20 June 2015
  • The Theatre

If that train be natural, where does it come from... and where does it go to?

"Told by an Idiot are the most exciting, enthralling and energising presence in British Theatre"Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate

A group of passengers are left stranded at a remote railway station, facing the prospect of a night in the waiting room. But when the old stationmaster warns them about the phantom train that haunts the tracks after dark, the evening starts to take one chilling turn after another.

A ghostly driver, sudden deaths and a travelling parrot make this 1920s thriller an unnervingly hilarious exploration of our capacity for belief in the supernatural.

Told by an Idiot return to the Royal Exchange, bringing their trademark wit, flare and theatrical invention to this blisteringly funny take on the classic ghost story.

"The Ghost Train is not normally the kind of play that would be produced in the round. The challenge of staging action that would normally happen off stage and of using every inch of that extraordinary space will be really thrilling." Paul Hunter, Director

THE GHOST TRAIN is sponsored by Manchester Airport Group
MAG

THE WAY OF THE IDIOT
WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS AND ARTISTS
Told by an Idiot have been creating the unexpected since 1993, and are one of Britain's leading touring companies.

They revel in a style of performance that is bigger than life and specialise in all areas of devised theatre. They produce work that is unpredictable, provocative, wildly comic and highly theatrical.

Alongside the run of THE GHOST TRAIN Told by an Idiot are offering workshops for schools, students and artists that will explore the company's unique style of work and approach to theatre-making. Please see below...

Bigger Than Life: Artist Development Workshop: Monday 1 June, 10am - 5pm. £60
at The Royal Exchange Theatre
This intensive workshop will examine what lies at the heart of Told by an Idiot, drawing on their repertoire of productions dating back to 1993 and exploring all facets of their working practice, including play, rhythm, liberating the performer, approaches to writing, and the importance of spontaneity. The Way of the Idiot will offer a unique insight into one of Britain's leading theatre companies. Book your place here.

Half-day CPD: Devising and Commedia dell'Arte: Tuesday 2 June, 2pm - 5pm. £60 (including light refreshments)
(Particularly relevant for Key Stage 3 & 4 Drama Teachers)
Award winning theatre company Told by an Idiot invites you to participate in a half-day CPD workshop at the Royal Exchange Theatre. In this fun and practical session, co-founder Paul Hunter will demonstrate the techniques of Commedia Dell'Arte and share some of the company's devising methods for creating their distinctive brand of theatre. You will return to school with a set of tried and tested methods that will inspire your pupils and fill your classrooms with laughter! Book your place here.

Being An Idiot: Workshop for Schools
Led by members of cast from THE GHOST TRAIN, Told by an Idiot will take students on a journey exploring how their productions come together, with a number of exercises designed to explore students' creativity, imagination, storytelling, devising skills and giving an insight into the life of a professional theatre company. For more information and to book a workshop for your school, please contact amandacastro@toldbyanidiot.org  

Please note: All schools workshops bookings and arrangements MUST be made directly with Told By An Idiot and not via the Royal Exchange Theatre.
  • Event Information

  • VENUE: The Theatre

    PERFORMANCE DATES: Thursday 14 May - Saturday 20 June 2015 

    PERFORMANCE TIMES:
    Monday – Saturday evenings: 7.30pm
    Wednesday & Saturday matinees: 2.30pm
    Extra Matinees: Tuesday 26 & Thursday 28 May: 2.30pm
    No matinee Wednesday 27 May

    TICKET PRICES: 
    Standard Tickets from £15
    Half Price Previews from £7.50
    Banquette tickets: £10

    BOOK TICKETS: Box Office: 0161 833 9833 / online

    RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 10 minutes (including interval)

    THE GHOST TRAIN is sponsored by Manchester Aiport Group
    MAG


  • Creative Team

  • WRITER Arnold Ridley

    DIRECTOR Paul Hunter

    DESIGNER     Laura Hopkins

    LIGHTING     Paul Anderson

    SOUND     Adrienne Quartly

     

  • Related Events

  • AFTER SHOW DISCUSSION: Wednesday 17 June after 7.30pm performance. More Information

    BACK STAGE TOUR: Wednesdays 27 May and 17 June: 11am. Tickets £5 (including refreshments). Book on 0161 833 9833. More Information 

    BEHIND THE SCENES: Wednesday 10 June: 10.30am - 12 noon. A pre-show, talk-based introduction to the play and production. Tickets £6/£4 concessions. Book on 0161 833 9833 / online. More Information

    BETWEEN THE LINES: Wednesday 3 June: 11am - 1pm. Play reading and discussion group to accompany the show. Come along and read, discuss or just listen. Tickets £6 per session. Book on 0161 833 9833 / online. More Information

    RELAXED PERFORMANCE: Tuesday 9 June, 2.30pm. Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome everyone who will benefit from a more relaxed environment in which to watch a show. This includes people with autism spectrum disorder, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability. More Information & Book Tickets

    The relaxed performance of THE GHOST TRAIN has been generously supported by The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust and Ordinary People, Interesting Lives.

    BIGGER THAN LIFE: ARTIST DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP Monday 1 June, 10am - 5pm. Click here to book.

    HALF-DAY CPD: DEVISING AND COMMEDIA DELL'ARTE      Tuesday 2 June, 2pm - 5pm. More Information & Book Tickets

    BEING AN IDIOT: WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS
    Please contact amandacastro@toldbyanidiot.org to find out more and book a workshop for your school.

  • Accessible Performances

  • AUDIO-DESCRIBED: Saturday 13 June, 2.30pm

    BSL-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE: Thursday 18 June, 7.30pm

    CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE: Thursday 11 June, 7.30pm

    Click here for more information about our accessible performances 

    RELAXED PERFORMANCE: Tuesday 9 June, 2.30pm. Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome everyone who will benefit from a more relaxed environment in which to watch a show. This includes people with autism spectrum disorder, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability. More Information & Book Tickets

    The relaxed performance of THE GHOST TRAIN has been generously supported by The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust and Ordinary People, Interesting Lives.

     

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