A FUNNY thing happened to actor Howard Attfield on the way to the dressing room.

Howard, who is playing Hysterium in the Theatre Royal's production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum had a spine-tingling encounter with a ghost after one of his performances.

But legend has it that the Grey Lady, the theatre's resident ghost - reputed to be the spirit of a nun who worked in St Leonard's Hospital on which the theatre was built - may just bring good luck.

He said: "After the show on Thursday I popped back to the dressing room because I'd left my watch there.

"Everyone else was in the foyer at the front of the theatre. As I was on my way back from the dressing room, I heard rustling behind me, like stiff fabric moving.

"There was no-one there, the atmosphere chilled, the hairs on my arms and neck stood on end and I felt really cold."

Howard is the fourth person to have experienced the Grey Lady since the play opened in July.

Despite the Grey Lady having reputedly met a tragic death, she is believed to bring good luck.

Legend has it that she fell in love with a townsman while working at the hospital and broke her religious vows. As a punishment she was bricked up alive and her body was never recovered.

When the hospital was demolished and the theatre built on its site, she was disturbed and began to wander.

Her appearance is said to herald good times - Howard and everyone at the theatre will be waiting with bated breath for the next visitation.

Tonight is the last night you can catch A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum. Call 01904 623568 for tickets.

PICTURE: Howard Attfield, who is currently appearing in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and had a ghostly encounter in the dressing room at the Theatre Royal, York

Picture: Steven Bradshaw