M.R. James has forever been known as the go to name for a Victorian ghost story or a tale of the macabre. Named after the 1793 poem of the same name by Robert Burns, 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad', the tale was originally published in 1904.

Challenging the fine lines between fiction and reality and the power of our own imagination, Whistle And I'll Come to You tells the story of a young professor, Parkins, newly widowed after his wife dies in childbirth. He embarks on a golfing holiday on the coast, also planning to investigate the grounds of some local ruins for their suitability for an archaeological dig.

Securing a room at The Globe Inn for his stay, the room is quite large and has a second bed. Having found what appears to be an ancient bronze whistle at the site of the ruins, Parkins has a fitful nights sleep, woken by scratching noises which he believes to be rats, waking the next morning to find that the additional bed in his room has the appearance of being slept in.

The tension and unease is built well throughout this performance. We are as unsure as Parkins as to what he may be seeing and experiencing. Is it his grief, his pure mental exhaustion or has something been awoken by him, after finding the mysterious whistle hidden within the ancient ruins.

This is truly a stylised piece, perfect for the intimate location that it is being presented in. The story telling keeps the audience visibly attentive and drawn in throughout. Great for fans of horror and those wanting to have their spines chilled.

Classically chilling.

Whistle And I'll Come To You is part of Birmingham Fest which runs across Birmingham until July 28th. More details can be found here: http://birminghamfest.co.uk/events/

Review written by Rachel Louise Martin

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