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Peter Capaldi stars in BBC Four ghost story by M.R. James

By December 14, 2019December 15th, 2019Adaptations, News, Television

Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who) will return to the BBC for a new festive and spooky drama.

Capaldi will star in Martin’s Close, an exclusive half-hour BBC4 drama adapted from M.R. James’ short supernatural story following a 17th-century murder trial. The story has been adapted and directed for a Christmas slot by the multitalented Mark Gatiss (Sherlock), who wrote several episodes of Doctor Who for Capaldi and co-starred in his final episode.

The story follows a man as he is accused of murdering a young woman with learning difficulties. As it unfolds it becomes clear the young woman’s ghost is haunting Martin, and ends up playing an important part of the court hearing…

“1684. John Martin is on trial for his life. Facing him, the infamous ‘hanging Judge’, George Jeffreys. But this is not a cut and dried murder case. Because the innocent girl Martin is accused of killing has been seen after her death…” 

Mark Gatiss remarked:

“After the delightful success of last year’s The Dead Room, it’s a fantastic privilege to continue the tradition of the Christmas Ghost story on BBC Four – and what better than one of my favourite stories by the master of them all, M.R. James?”

“I’m delighted to welcome another of Mark Gatiss’ ghostly escapades to BBC Four after the success of last year’s The Dead Room,” added BBC Four Controller Cassian Harrison.

“With a stellar cast and a plot to send a shiver down the most resolute of spines, this is a guaranteed treat for the winter nights.”

Martin’s Close is set to air on Christmas Eve on BBC Four.

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