Mark Gatiss adapted E. Nesbit’s “Man-Size in Marble” for the BBC as part of the annual anthology series “A Ghost Story for Christmas.”
The spooky Christmas special, titled ‘Woman of Stone’, follows Victorian newlyweds Jack and Laura.
“The couple settle in 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 funerary effigies – a pair of marble knights said to rise. from their records on Christmas Eve,” the logline reads. “Jack dismisses this as mere folklore. But as the fateful night approaches, he is 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 will write and direct the film, 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, attracting 1.75 million viewers, according to ratings agency BARB. In 2022, his special attracted 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 I’m extremely happy with the way it turned out. As always, a phenomenal cast and crew have worked tirelessly to deliver some festive scares at the nation’s fireside and I’m particularly pleased to have the work of the great and underrated Edith. Nesbit can celebrate.”
“A Ghost Story for Christmas: Woman of Stone” is produced by Curious Media for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It was commissioned by BBC Arts. Isibéal Ballance produces for Curious Media. Mark Bell is editor-in-chief of the BBC.
BBC Studios will distribute all of Gatiss’ “Ghost Story” specials internationally.