An all-star cast is appearing in a new thriller which opens in Bromley next week. The Ghost Train pulls away from the Churchill Theatre before continuing a national tour.

The play was first produced in 1925 and filmed three times. It tells the story of a man who accidentally strands six passengers at a small Cornish wayside station. They decide to stay the night in the waiting room despite the stationmaster's weird stories of a supernatural train but they soon regret this decision as ghostly and not-so-ghostly apparitions materialise and the young man reveals the true reason behind the night's events.

Four popular TV stars, Judy Cornwell, Ian Lavender, Henry Mcgee and Christopher Strauli, head the cast of 12.

Cornwell plays Miss Bourne, an eccentric teetotal spinster who wanderers around carrying her parrot in a cage. The actress is instantly recognisable thanks to her portrayal of Daisy in Keeping Up Appearances ( remember Hyacinth Bucket's placid downtrodden sister in law?)

Cornwell said most of the big-name stars are experienced theatre actors as well as being familiar faces from television shows.

She said: "They have got actors they know can do it and they've got a nice large cast. People want value for their money. They know they'll get a good production. The younger members of the cast are also terribly talented."

The actress believes the audience will love the clear standard English in the piece, the nostalgic touches and the fact there is no swearing apart from the words "dammit" and "s'truth".

The cast perform well together and Cornwell said: "We all know we can trust each other. I'm always very careful. I work with people who really are nice that's very important when you're touring."

The theatrical credentials of the stars are impressive. Lavender is probably best known for his portrayal of the cosseted Private Pike in the comedy series Dad's Army. Mcgee's 20-year association with The Benny Hill Show made him a household name and Strauli was in the comedies Only When I Laugh and Full House.

Endearingly Cornwell still gets serious stage fright, even after 42 years of acting: "I get terrified. I think Oh God, please don't let me forget my lines.' I've got to carry this birdcage around and I'm wearing this hat and I hope the wig doesn't fall off and the hat doesn't fall off. It gets worse."

- Feb 11-16, The Ghost Train, Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, Mon-Sat 7.45pm, Thur & Sat matinees 2.30pm, £13 -£19, 020 8460 6677.