A South Norwood arts centre is to be transformed next month, as it stages an immersive adaptation of a darkly thrilling short story by probably the most famous author to have ever lived in South Norwood – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Selecting A Ghost at Stanley Halls from November 6 to 9 will see the Grade II-listed Georgian venue turned into Goresthore Grange, a medieval mansion where audiences will be invited to promenade from room to room on a ghost hunt with supernatural enthusiasts Silas and Matilda D’Odds.
Conan Doyle’s short story, the producers say, “is an eerily witty tale of a newly-wealthy couple who have bought all the trappings of nobility for their new mansion and are only missing one thing: a ghost”.
When the D’Odds realise that there’s no spectre to be found, it sparks a strange and spooky obsession that takes the audience on an unnerving journey as the couple put their trust in a stranger who promises to conjure them a spirit.
In an epic finale, spectators will gather in the venue’s great hall and take part in a “Ghost Selection Ceremony”, which features award-winning local hip-hop company BirdGang Ltd, combining classical theatre with contemporary dance and audience interaction.
Will the D’Odds finally encounter their ghost? Or simply be left haunted by the ordeal?
Selecting A Ghost is a highlight of Stanley Halls’ Days of the Dead Festival, which begins this weekend and runs through and beyond Halloween, offering more suitably spooky live events, pumpkin carving workshops and a free exhibition – details all to be found on the website stanleyarts.org.
Due a revival: South Norwood resident, and Sherlock Holmes creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Two Lines Productions, who are staging Selecting A Ghost, are a theatre company that specialises in re-imagining classic texts. Founded by actors Phil Cheadle and Lisa Caruccio Came, they strive to engage modern audiences by breathing new life into often forgotten, neglected works.
Cheadle said, “When I first came across Arthur Conan Doyle’s gem of a short story, Selecting A Ghost, I immediately saw its potential for the stage — especially in a space as distinctive as Stanley Arts.
“My vision was to fully integrate the building into the production, making the venue itself a key part of the experience.
“It’s a perfect blend of classic literature, ghostly hip-hop, and an unforgettable setting.”
- Selecting A Ghost runs at Stanley Halls, South Norwood, from November 6 to November 9, with just eight performances. Running time is approximately one hour, and the show is rated as suitable for 14-year-olds and over. Tickets £10 – bookings and more information by clicking here
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