The Signalman – Thingwall Hall

ArtsGroupie CIC presents this retelling of Charles Dickens’s classic ghost story which was written after Dickens himself survived a train crash; adapted and directed by David Griffiths, it is performed by John Maguire and Zoran Blackie.

This haunting story is performed in almost total blackness, the only lights being the signalman’s two signal lamps which are used throughout, sometimes blinding the audience and at other times utilised to uplight the performers faces or to help portray large shadows on the stage backdrop. The only other lighting is a red coloured lamp depicting a fire in the corner of the signalman’s hut.

The production opens with the stage in pitch darkness, eerie background music playing with a stark set consisting of two wooden boxes serving as seating for the play’s two characters.

As the story unfolds, the signalman tells a passing stranger of an apparition which has visited him twice, each time before a dreadful disaster ending in tragedy.  When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to interpret its meaning in order to prevent another catastrophe.

This is a gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, after he himself survived a train crash, the Staplehurst Railway crash in 1865, a year before he wrote this story. It’s recorded that Dickens was haunted by memories of the accident for the rest of his life.

Signalman (Zoran Blackie) portrays the lonely signalman; at times his guilt shines through along with the isolation of his job and the responsibility it commands.  He is haunted with fear and trepidation of what may happen in the future; Blackie positively commands empathy of his plight from the audience.

His new-found companion, (John Maguire), an affable stranger, quickly gains the trust of the signalman who at first is wary of his motives. Maguire performs confidently, befriending the lonely signalman and sadly relates his own personal life misfortunes.

Sound effects of passing trains creates an apt ambience along with wardrobe and props befitting of the Victorian era in which the piece is set. There were a few sound problems during the performance as some of Blackie’s lines were hard to hear at times making it somewhat difficult to follow the storyline and anyone who has problems with bright glaring lights shining in their eyes would find this use of the lamps challenging.

Nevertheless, both actors deliver solid performances presenting this classic Dickens ghost story; it is a suspenseful production lasting approximately one hour.

Various performances from 3rd-7th December 2024 at Shakespeare North Theatre, Metal Culture, Edge Hill Station, Liverpool and St Nicholas Church, Halewood, Liverpool.

Reviewer: Anne Pritchard

Reviewed: 26th November 2024

North West End UK Rating: