Back to All Events

Casting the Runes: Two stories by M. R. James FULLY BOOKED

  • The Portico Library 57 Mosley Street Manchester, England, M2 3HY United Kingdom (map)

£15. Book here.

Get a chill up your spine with spell binding tales of the occult performed amongst our books, written by the master of suspense M. R. James.

Montague Rhodes James [1862 – 1936] wrote his ghost stories to perform to friends in the years leading up to WW1. Today they have lost nothing of their power to terrify and amuse. Nunkie Theatre Company returns with two more of James’s very best, in another thrilling one-man show – the scarcely-believable fifth instalment of The M R James Trilogy.

In Casting the Runes we meet the unforgettable ‘Abbot of Lufford, ’ Mr. Karswell – magic lanternist, historian of the occult, and scourge of the academic establishment. The story is perhaps best known for being the source for the classic 1950s horror film ‘Night of the Demon.’ It is partnered here by one of James’s most neglected masterpieces: The Residence at Whitminster in which a dark shadow is cast over the precinct of a peaceful English church…

Enter the library on this dark dark evening if you dare! Doors open at 6pm.

“Storytelling at its best…” The Stage

About the performer:

Nunkie walks the earth, telling tales.

All kinds of tales. Wherever anyone is prepared to listen.

Ghost stories on boats. Detective stories in pubs.

True confessions in an art gallery.


Fine writing, curiosity, attention to detail and a sense of mystery

are the foundations of Nunkie’s practice. Drawing on classic texts,

we seek to entertain, enthrall and inspire audiences

of all ages and backgrounds.

Earlier Event: December 19
Make Your Own Victorian Christmas Card
Later Event: January 4
Online Book Club: Shirley