Mark Gatiss is adapting E. Nesbitt’s “Man-Size in Marble” for the BBC as part of its annual “’A Ghost Story for Christmas” anthology series.
Titled “Woman of Stone,” the spooky Christmas special follows Victorian newlyweds Jack and Laura.
“The couple are settling into a small cottage in a quiet village when their idyll is overshadowed by the superstitious warnings of their housekeeper, Mrs Dorman, and the legend of the village church’s tomb effigies – a pair of marble knights who are said to rise from their slabs on Christmas Eve,” reads the logline. “Jack dismisses this is as mere folklore. But as the fateful night draws near, he feels drawn to the church, leaving Laura at home, all alone.”
“Woman of Stone” stars Éanna Hardwicke (“The Sixth Commandment”) as Jack Lorimer, Phoebe Horn (“The Motive and the Cue”) as Laura Lorimer, Celia Imrie (“The Thursday Murder Club”) as Edith Nesbit, Monica Dolan (“Sherwood”) as Mrs Dorman and Mawaan Rizwan (“Juice”) as Dr. Zubin.
Mark Gatiss (Eivind Hansen courtesy of BBC Studios)
Eivind Hansen/Courtesy of BBC Studios
Gatiss writes and directs the film, which is his seventh “A Ghost Story for Christmas” special. Last year’s special, “Lot 249,” was the best performing show on BBC Two on Christmas Eve, drawing in 1.75 million viewers according to ratings body BARB. In 2022 his special drew 1.80 million.
“‘Woman of Stone’ is an adaptation of E Nesbit’s ‘Man-Size in Marble’ – the very first ghost story I ever read!” said Gatiss. “I’ve always wanted to adapt it and am immensely pleased with the way it’s turned out. As ever, a phenomenal cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring some festive frights to the nation’s fireside and I’m particularly pleased to be celebrating the work of the great and underrated Edith Nesbit.”
“A Ghost Story for Christmas: Woman of Stone” is produced by Adorable Media for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by BBC Arts. Isibéal Ballance produces for Adorable Media. Mark Bell is the commissioning editor for the BBC.
BBC Studios will distribute all of Gatiss’s “Ghost Story” specials internationally.
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