Gather around, because there’s nothing quite like a ghost story to warm the soul during the festive season—or is it to send a chill down your spine? But here’s where it gets controversial: while most associate Christmas with cheer, the BBC has long argued that it’s also the perfect time for a spooky tale. Since 1968 (or perhaps a bit earlier, if you count Jonathan Miller’s Whistle and I’ll Come to You as a precursor), the Ghost Story for Christmas series has become a tradition, offering a half-hour escape into the eerie archives of Victorian and Edwardian literature. These adaptations, helmed by Mark Gatiss, not only provide a shivery distraction but also give talented actors a chance to shine in roles that are equal parts haunting and delightful.
Initially, the series leaned heavily on the works of M.R. James, Gatiss’s admitted favorite, with stories like Lot No. 249 by Arthur Conan Doyle (yes, that Arthur Conan Doyle) making an appearance. Last year, the series surprised us with a tale by E. Nesbit—the very same author who later charmed us with The Railway Children. And this is the part most people miss: before Nesbit’s Psammead was even a twinkle in her literary eye, she was crafting ghostly narratives that still manage to send a shiver down our spines.
This year, the spotlight falls on E.F. Benson, best known for the witty Mapp & Lucia series but also a master of what he called “spook stories.” Gatiss has chosen The Room in the Tower, a 1912 tale, and cleverly resets it (at least partially) during World War II. The result? A chilling blend of historical tension and supernatural dread.
Enter Roger Winstanley (played by the effortlessly compelling Tobias Menzies, whose understated performance demands your full attention). Roger finds himself exchanging stoic small talk with a stranger, Verity (Nancy Carroll), in a tube station during an air raid. The conversation takes a turn when Roger asks Verity if she dreams. She does. “Have they ever come true?” he presses. This simple question opens the door to Roger’s lifelong nightmare—a recurring dream he’s had since childhood, for which he has “no explanation at all.”
In the dream, Roger arrives at the home of a school friend, Jack Stone, and is greeted by Jack’s family, including his mother, Julia (Joanna Lumley), dressed in a black gown. The scene is eerily silent until Julia speaks: “Jack will show you to your room. I’ve given you the room in the tower.” Roger is gripped by inexplicable terror, and though Jack leads him to the room, he always wakes before discovering his fate. Over time, the dream evolves: Julia’s physical presence fades, but her voice—and that dreaded instruction—remain. The nightmare persists, unchanged in its horror.
In the most recent iteration, Roger joins his friend John Clinton (Ben Mansfield) for a game of tennis, only to be invited back to John’s house for tea. As they approach, Roger recognizes the house from his nightmares. Initially relieved to see a cheerful, rambunctious family gathered on the lawn, his relief is short-lived. The matriarch (Polly Walker) announces, “Jack will show you to your room. I’ve put you in the room in the tower.” Here’s the twist: “Jack” is a nickname for “John,” a detail that ties the dream to reality in the most unsettling way. Did you catch that? If not, it’s worth a quick Google search for a satisfying etymological detour.
Benson’s clever twist, combined with Gatiss’s masterful adaptation, makes for a haunting half-hour. While some might argue it veers into horror territory (proceed with caution if watching with younger family members), it’s undeniably a welcome addition to the holiday lineup. Like that inoffensive second cousin at the Christmas table, the Gatiss ghost story isn’t the star of the show, but it’s always a pleasure to have it there.
Now, here’s a question for you: Is the Ghost Story for Christmas series a beloved tradition or a missed opportunity to explore more diverse or modern tales? Do you prefer the classic Victorian chills, or would you like to see the series take a bolder, more contemporary turn? Let’s discuss in the comments—I’m all ears!
