Yvonne Arnaud – until 7th March 2026
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Adaptor Francis Evelyn has captured the essence of this Dickens short story and cleverly built an authentic two act play. Running for over 10 years, there is no tiredness about its delivery and dulling of suspense. Quite the opposite, the audience reaction is a testament to that with verbal exclamations and physical seat jumping!
I start with the set and special effects, because they are at the heart of building the suspense, with ghostly apparitions and perfectly timed items falling off shelves. The historical attention to detail in the late 19th century signalman’s box, is remarkable – a home from home where many long hours are spent alone. You can feel and see the steam trains bearing down on you as the smoke-filled tunnel beside the box comes to life, created through sound effects and lighting. Ghosts were a fascination of the era, both scientifically and spiritually. Dicken’s adeptly uses this as a device to tell the tale of a guilt-ridden man, left too long alone with his own thoughts.
Chris Walker (Signalman) is believable in his presentation as an old man, dedicated to the railway, plagued by ghostly apparitions warning him of dangers to come. Walker (Signalman) takes you with him as he faces down the strange goings on, perfectly timing his own reactions so the audience either jumps with fright or laughs! The biggest surprise is having a late night visitor that isn’t a ghost!
John Burton (Traveller) portrays a logical man that is torn between fascination, concern for the signalman and the certainty that ghosts exist. The Traveller (Burton) gives extra context to the play, both historically and in building a picture of the signalman’s life and times. Together in the signal box Burton (Traveller) presents as a worldly gentleman attempting to keep his composure whilst Walker expresses the Signalman’s impassioned fears and concerns. The signal box is full to the brim with expectation!
If you love a good ghost story, one that grips you from the start and does not release you until the end, this is the play for you!