The Signalman | Darlington Hippodrome | 4th November 2025
If there is a time of year when the mind turns to all things scary and supernatural then it is at the end of October and the beginning of November. Halloween has brought us ghouls, goblins and all manner of ghostly things and the British psyche is hard-wired to then turn to burning treacherous plotters on bonfire pyres. What better time then for Darlington Hippodrome to welcome a ghostly tale written by master wordsmith Charles Dickens who also wrote what is arguably the most famous holiday ghost story of all – A Christmas Carol. I have been treated to several supernatural and spooky tales at the Hippodrome including Mary Shelley’s Dracula and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, so I was very excited to see this production presented this time by Middle Ground Theatre Company and starring Chris Walker of Doctors fame as the titular railway worker and Father Brown’s very own Sergeant Goodfellow as The Traveller.
The opening of this atmospheric play is as effective as I have recently seen. Performed largely in silence for the first five or so minutes, the audience is really drawn in to the story of this lone rail worker dutifully carrying out his work late at night. There is a building sense of dread which is cleverly directed (Michael Lunny) and builds the tension from the word go. The repeated use of silence is creatively used and works incredibly well.
The set (Michael Lunney, Andy Martin, Jeremy Barnaby, John Goodwin and Dan O’Neill) almost acts as a character in itself. The tunnel is foreboding and the signalman’s quarters are as comforting as they are sinister as the story develops. There are some lovely and occasionally distressing touches throughout. The torches and lights used by the two main characters blind the audience as they flash through the auditorium. The waving of the branches during the opening add a realism to the scene and the sound effects and music (White Tip Media and Lynette Webster) all bring their own unique characteristics to the story.
This is a short story, barely more than a few pages long, which tells of a night signalman who is haunted by visions telling of impending doom on his stretch of the railway. He tells his story to a mystery traveller who listens and tries to debunk the older man’s beliefs that these are ghostly apparitions or predictions for what is to come.
The relationship between the older man and his unexpected visitor is one of gentle camaraderie -bordering on respect – for each other which only heightens the anticipation of impending doom. The visions continue even as the two gentlemen converse which is cleverly portrayed by the aforementioned technicals and a superb lighting design by Bob Hodges.
The tension is briefly relaxed during a light hearted scene at the inn the traveller visits with a jovial conversation between the traveller and the inn keeper (Bruce Chatton). However that lulls the viewer into a false sense of security as the signalman is once again plagued by a particularly frightening vision to conclude act one.
The performances from the two main characters are outstanding. Walker portrays a haunted but fastidiously efficient employee. His attention to his duties belies his fear that disaster is imminent. Burton, despite experiencing his own brush with the supernatural, cuts an incredulous voice of sanity as his new friend becomes more and more agitated.
This is a perfect ghost story with jumps, laughs and two believable and engaging characters. While the signalman may not be shouting to a boy to buy a prize goose at the end of the play, he certainly transforms those he meets during it.
This is obviously a labour of love for all of the cast, crew and creatives – with actors performing on stage and taking duties backstage in stage management. There has clearly been a great deal of thought put into bringing Dickens’ short story to the stage – and it shows. The production is also dedicated to the memory of Master Scenic Carpenter Andy Martin’s memory. I think that the whole production team have done Mr Martin proud.
This is everything you would want from a haunting tale. There are scares, magical moments, touches of humanity and lessons to be learn. This is a treat to watch and some theatrical tricks to keep you on the edge of your seats. A highly recommended haunting and spooky night at the theatre.