24 December: Martin's Close by M.R. James
Read the story here.
And so here we are, at the end of another Ghost Story Advent. For our final tale, I very strategically chose âMartinâs Closeâ by M.R. James. Tonight, on BBC Four at 10pm, Mark Gatissâs adaptation of this brilliant story will be broadcast. Iâm so grateful to Gatiss for (seemingly) fighting for the return of this wonderful tradition of a televisual ghost story on Christmas eve. Iâm delighted, too, that heâs returned to the master, M.R. James, as the source material. A few years ago, Gatiss adapted âThe Tractate Middothâ, another of Jamesâs less known works. It was fantastic and really reminded me of the old BBC stories of the seventies. I canât wait to get cosy, with a glass of something tasty, and watch the tale be brought to life.Â
This is a fantastically gripping story, too. It is, in essence, a court case. Imagine all of the thrills of a great legal drama combined with the nerve-shredding chills of Jamesâs finest work. It is the story of Ann Clark and her dreadful murder at the hands of one George Martin. It plays out almost like a play script and has some surprisingly humorous moments, particularly from the grouchy Judge Jeffries. However, the ghostly moments are thoroughly haunting - Â the scene with the cupboard, in particular, is very scary indeed. Itâs a moving, realistic and memorable tale.Â
Iâve never read a ghost story writer that works quite so effectively as Jamesâs. His work is so fantastically evocative and the several pages of banal admin he often includes only add to the experience of reading his tales. Itâs a pleasure to include a few of his each Ghost Story advent.
And thatâs it! I hope youâve enjoyed this run-down of twenty-four ghostly tales. Do stay in touch with me via the Facebook group. Have a Merry Christmas. Oh, and Iâd love to see you at one our performances in 2020! If you love ghost stories, our show Upon The Stair is now on sale. Itâs touring early 2020 in Halifax, Salisbury and Harrogate. Grab your tickets here.








