THE M. R. JAMES TRILOGY

Last night I visited  the Lowry for a performance of two of M.R. James's classic ghost stories  performed by Robert LLoyd  Parry.   


Confusingly, only two stories are performed, not three.  The trilogy reference is to the fact that there are in fact three shows being performed at the Lowry.  Three of the major ghost stories are performed at each show so no performance uses the same text.   This did confuse the audience on the night including myself who waited for a third story but alas this was not to be.


Lloyd Parry was excellent and really did bring the stories to life pardon the pun.   I particularly enjoyed his rendition of "A Warning to the Curious", the story of an archaeologist who is haunted by the guardian of an ancient treasure.  Dressed in tweeds and waiscoat and  enunciating the clipped R.P. of the 1930s, LLoyd Parry really was the part.  Both stories were told by candlelight in an intimate confines of the Stage Theatre which added greatly to the spooky atmosphere.


During the performance Lloyd Parry frequently paused to imbibe whisky, or was it cold tea?  I hope it was the former.  I note that the programme sports an advert for whisky.  Try and catch The M.R. James Trilogy if you can.  A real Halloween treat.