The invitation to an 'extraordinary site-specific promenade experience' of two excellent MR James ghost stories in St Pancras Crypt was irresistible but sometimes it pays to keep your expectations in check.
The stories, Warning to the Curious and Count Magus, are well read by a chap sitting at a table and amplified around the Victorian Crypt. Scattered about in various corners are objects suggestive of other James tales whilst occasionally cast members stroll spookily about in a variety of costumes.
There's a nagging feeling this production has missed a trick given the ace location and potential for tying the stories into it. Fifteen quid seems a bit steep for an experience that falls well short of Punchdrunk but this is a passable stab at promenade theatre and the tales are peerless. Do wrap up warm, though. It's literally chilling.
By Chris Roberts
Until 13 March, Monday to Saturday 7.15pm, Saturday Matinee 13 March at 2.15pm. Tickets: £12-15. Runs 90 mins, no break. Booking information on suitably spooky and cryptic website.