Bumbling Private Godfrey from classic TV sitcom Dad’s Army came across as an amiable old duffer, but the man who played him was a sharp cookie. Decades before Walmington On Sea’s Home Guard stalwarts captured the hearts of the nation, Arnold Ridley had penned a classic play which is still regularly revived.

It earned him a pretty penny over the years, and although he has now passed away comedy thriller The Ghost Train is still chugging along – and it’s pulling in to the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage next week.

The story centres on a group of travellers – including two newlyweds, an estranged couple, a self-indulgent young dandy and an elderly spinster with a parrot – stranded at isolated railway station on a dark and stormy night.

The station master issues wild-eyed warnings of death to anyone who sets eyes on the ghostly train that haunts the track – but is he just spinning them a line, and if so what’s his motive for putting the willies up everyone in the waiting room?

The Ghost Train has been regularly fired up ever since it was first performed in the 1920s because the deft and devious plot is fine-tooled for entertainment.

The latest touring production stars Jeff Holland, best known for his long-running stint in holiday camp sitcom Hi-Di-Hi, along with Judy Buxton (General Hospital) and Sophie Powles (Emmerdale).

Ticket prices range from £16 to £21.50. There are performances each evening from Monday to Wednesday at 7.45pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Wednesday. Call 01438 363200 or visit www.gordon-craig.co.uk for box office details.