Ghosts are writ large in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but when Talkwood Productions started rehearsals for their production at The Chorleywood Memorial Hall, they found they had one spook too many.

When Dickens penned the tale in 1843 he made Ebenezer Scrooge endure four ghostly visitations – Marley’s Ghost, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. However, the hall may possibly house a real spirit. Apparently, several people, including caretaker Mike Arnold have experienced some ghostly goings-on there. The voice of a young girl has been heard on several occasions over the years. The voice, which seems to be just in the next room, greets them with a simple ‘Hello’.

Rest assured, all who have reported the presence have maintained it is not frightening.

“It only happens when someone is working there alone at night,” explains producer Tom Barton. “I haven’t heard her but at least half a dozen others have. I hope she enjoys the show.”

Tom is busy collecting props in north London when we speak. So far the company has sourced items from the Opera House in Covent Garden, various theatres and scenic workshops in Luton.

“We want it to be authenthic in every way possible,” says Tom. “We are really trying hard to capture the ethos of a Christmas show that is a whole village event. There’s a good history of festive shows at the Memorial Hall and we want to continue that tradition and bring the community together without the need for flashing swords and rehashed pop songs.”

Instead, the show will feature a professional adult cast and a host of young, local talent directed by Joshua Sills, who has also adapted the script, alongside Stephen Leask. The show has a new musical score written by Patrick Rufey with lyrics by Jessica Rufey.

“Patrick and Jessica are a brother and sister team and they are a huge asset to the company. We write original music for every production and Patrick’s score is quite orchestral in composition. There are nice harmonies and a complex quartet at the end of part one where Scrooge sings with his younger self, the Ghost of Christmas Past and the girl he should have married all those years ago.”

During the run, there will be guest choirs supporting the cast for individual performances.

The show runs from December 22 to 30 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, (no shows on Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and December 22 at 7.30pm only at The Chorleywood Memorial Hall, Common Road, Chorleywood.

Details: 01442 269489, www.talkwoodproductions.org.uk