Mark Gatiss, renowned for his mastery of eerie and atmospheric storytelling, returns to the BBC with an adaptation of E.F. Benson’s chilling tale, Man-Size in Marble. Known for his passion for classic ghost stories, Gatiss is the perfect choice to bring this haunting tale to life as part of the BBC’s Christmas ghost story tradition. The story, first published in 1911, is an unsettling narrative that masterfully blends folklore, psychological dread, and the uncanny, making it a fitting addition to the seasonal lineup of spine-tingling tales.
Set in a quiet English village, Man-Size in Marble tells the story of a newlywed couple who move into a picturesque cottage near a church with a peculiar legend. The local lore speaks of two life-sized marble effigies of knights, said to rise from their tombs and walk the church at night every Halloween. Skeptical yet intrigued, the couple dismisses the warnings—only to face the horrifying consequences of ignoring age-old superstitions. Gatiss’s adaptation promises to capture the oppressive atmosphere of the story, highlighting its themes of disbelief, vulnerability, and the lurking presence of the supernatural.
As a writer, Gatiss excels at creating tension through subtle details and layered performances. His past adaptations of ghost stories, such as The Dead Room and The Mezzotint, demonstrate his ability to weave atmospheric visuals and unsettling soundscapes that keep audiences on edge. For Man-Size in Marble, viewers can expect a faithful yet creatively interpreted rendition of Benson’s work, with a focus on Gothic aesthetics and richly textured storytelling.
The Christmas ghost story tradition on the BBC harks back to the works of M.R. James, whose tales of the macabre were a staple of British festive culture. Gatiss has embraced this tradition with reverence, crafting adaptations that honor the original material while making it accessible to modern audiences. With Man-Size in Marble, he is set to deliver a memorable entry that will captivate viewers and reaffirm the enduring appeal of ghost stories during the holiday season.
