The Signalman Press Acclaim

“The acting was superb… Chris Walker’s portrayal of The Signalman is layered and deeply human, capturing the slow unravelling of a man trapped by duty and dread. John Burton as the traveller brings warmth and groundedness to the role, a necessary counterbalance to the signalman’s spiralling fear. The Signalman may well become one of the season’s most amazing theatrical performances…tremendous! FIVE STARS *****”
Malvern Gazette

“An abundance of sharp acting… a magnificent creation… extremely impressive… profoundly disturbing… Francis Evelyn’s skilled adaptation of this little known story is a triumph. 5 STARS *****”
Showtime

““A piece that relies on the silence, the pauses and unknowns. What lies in the shadows? What could lie in shadows? It keeps an audience gripped, bringing those nervous moments of laughter when you jump in your seats. The set brings the world to life, where every detail has been cleverly created. Then when you add the technical aspects of sound & lightening design you have suddenly immersed your audience back into the 1880s even before the first word is even spoken. The performances of Chris Walker as The Signalman and John Burton as The Traveller are captivating. You can see how much Francis Evelyn loved Dickens as he adapted this piece for the stage and we couldn’t recommend it more. An excellently produced classic ghost story for all to enjoy… HAUNTINGLY BRILLIANT! 5 STARS *****”
Ovation Radio

““If you are a fan of ghost stories then this is the play for you…. Based on a short story by Charles Dickens and adapted for the stage by Francis Evelyn…… there are still elements of the story telling in the way Charles Dickens would have done it.  However, what raises it above that are the tremendous special effects… What helps to create the believability is the set, which is amazing.  There were rail lines and a magnificent tunnel filling the stage.  There is a realistic creation of a signal box right down to levers to change the points. The tale is obviously popular with the paying public as the theatre was packed.  Whether they are fans of Charles Dickens, ghost stories or of the two well-known TV actors I am not sure. However, everyone was engrossed in the storytelling. 5 STARS *****”
Southend Theatre Scene

“The set is a magnificent rendering of a railway cutting at the mouth of a tunnel with a cut-away signal box to one side. Much of the play takes place here, driven by two excellent central performances by Chris Walker as the signalman and John Burton as the traveller. It’s not a two-hander; there are other roles, but the success of the piece hangs on these two….. the success of the piece hangs on these two and they don’t disappoint.”
Eastbourne Reporter

“A Chilling Night at the Theatre… There’s something deliciously fitting about watching The Signalman on a dark autumn night. Dickens’ classic ghost story, brought to the stage under Michael Lunney’s direction, fills the Darlington Hippodrome with just the right mix of unease and intrigue. It’s a proper fireside chiller…. The cast are excellent. Chris Walker gives the Signalman a real depth of sadness and fear, while John Burton’s Traveller brings warmth and curiosity that gently draws out the story…. What makes The Signalman so effective is its simplicity. It’s old-fashioned storytelling done right… If you enjoy your ghost stories traditional, unsettling, and beautifully acted, this one is well worth venturing out for. 4 STARS”
Fairy Powered Productions (Darlington)

“The Signalman, adapted from Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story, offers a compelling and atmospheric evening of theatre. This production took me into a world of isolation, psychological unease, and supernatural dread with remarkable precision.
Chris Walker delivers a powerful performance as the Signalman, capturing the character’s quiet torment and growing paranoia with subtlety and emotional depth….. John Burton, as the Traveller, provides a calm and grounding presence, acting as both confidant and observer.The supporting cast, though appearing briefly, makes a strong impression. Bruce Chattan brings warmth and authenticity as the Innkeeper, while James Morley (Inspector) and Adam Mort (Tom) add urgency and emotional weight in the play’s final scenes. This production of The Signalman is a triumph of mood. It captures the eerie essence of Dickens’ tale while offering a visually and emotionally rich theatrical experience. A must-see for fans of gothic drama and psychological thrillers.”
North East Theatre

“The opening of this atmospheric play is as effective as I have recently seen… The set almost acts as a character in itself… a superb lighting design by Bob Hodges… The performances from the two main characters played by Chris Walker and John Burton are outstanding… This is a perfect ghost story… cleverly directed by Michael Lunney… 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.”
InNewcastle.co.uk

“Dickens may be dated but it is never dull… that was proved once again at the Jersey Opera House this weekend with the haunting tale of The Signalman. Performing to a jam-packed three-tier crowd, anticipation was rife for the action on stage. Overall, the adapted version of the nineteenth-century story, directed by Michael Lunney and produced by Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd, was timelessly brilliant… with the help of outstanding and well-known screen actors, John Burton and Chris Walker… to create such a suspenseful environment that pulled it all off marvellously… to the rapturous applause of the auditorium. The best thing about this performance however, testament of the quality of how the thrilling story was portrayed, was that I feel I need to watch it all over again.”
Bailiwick Express

“Middle Ground Theatre Company’s new tour of The Signalman is a thrilling delight. The show contains all the atmosphere, tension and traditional storytelling you would expect from a Dickens ghost story without playing too much with modern spectacle. From the moment the lights dim, the auditorium is plunged into that unmistakable chill of classic Dickensian unease. In Act One in particular, the suspense is so well brewed, you could practically feel our collective breath being held….. The slow pacing, the shadows, the uneasy pauses, all combine to create a creeping sense of dread that works superbly….. a stirring and atmospheric thriller, moody, and wonderfully spooky in all the right places… John Burton stands out… Chris Walker gave a strong performance … Bruce Chattan, James Morley and Adam Mort aren’t on stage for long, their parts are played well, with strength and commitment and their acting is awesome to see!… Suspenseful, intriguing, and at times delightfully unnerving – a frightfully fun piece of gothic theatre, especially for those who love a traditional ghost story told with a modern dramatic sensibility.”
StageSideUK.co.uk

“A production that proves just how chillingly potent a well-told tale can be….Francis Evelyn’s adaptation embraces a bold choice: it leans proudly into telling rather than the oft-prescribed “show don’t tell.” Yet this very insistence becomes its strength…. Chris Walker’s performance as the Signalman is nothing short of magnetic… Such a performance flourishes under intelligent direction, and Michael Lunney’s hand is evident throughout. His attention to detail grounds the story’s Victorian setting with subtle authenticity… Lunney’s directorial instincts shine…. the breath taking set, when the curtain first rose, the audience collectively gasped, and rightly so…. Ultimately, this production of The Signalman comes tantalisingly close to perfection. Its blend of humour and horror, its commitment to Dickens’ timeless storytelling, and its richly atmospheric staging make it a compelling seasonal treat.”
AlexRoyTheatre.com

“This is a magnificent re-telling of a lesser-known Dickens fable which builds a fantastically formidable atmosphere throughout, by way of character, set, costume, lighting, sound, and special effects……….perfect for a dark, winter’s evening. 4 STARS”
Get The Chance

“This is the perfect show for people who love The Woman in Black, all things spooky and the occult. It is a perfect night out, especially around Halloween – even if I’m not sure I’ll ever trust trains and signals again! 4 STARS”
North West End

“Designed and directed by Michael Lunney, this extended revival of a hugely successful production was marked by meticulous set design and compelling central performances from Chris Walker and John Burton. Leading man, Walker, delivers a superb performance as the troubled signalman, capturing both his fragility and mounting desperation. Burton provides an effective counterbalance as the inquisitive yet grounded visitor, drawing out the signalman’s story with quiet persistence.Their chemistry on stage feels natural and measured, allowing the horror to build gradually rather than explosively. The production’s design is striking….The stage is split in two: on one side, a fire-lit Victorian signal box rendered in intricate detail, complete with levers, bells and ironwork; on the other, a bleak, moonlit railway. The set is so richly realised that I found myself scanning it for clues, bracing for whatever horrors might follow. Ultimately, this adaptation proves to be, indeed, “the perfect way to spend a dark winter’s evening.” It achieves genuine fear through restraint, relying on atmosphere, lighting, and sound rather than melodrama or cliché. Middle Ground Theatre Company breathes life into Dickens’ classic horror …The result is a production that lingers long after the curtain has closed.”
Chester Nub News

“Instantly, the set makes you feel as if you are right outside the signal box…. The attention to detail is impeccable. A big round of applause… A great lighting design by Bob Hodges…. The acting from all cast members is incredible. The sudden distance you feel when the Signal Man is seeing the spirits is a real juxtaposition to the chatty nature of the character, beautifully played by Chris Walker…… The Traveller is the curious character who asks the questions the audience needs answered about the goings-on around the railway, perfectly played by John Burton….. the shock appearance of the ghost was brilliant a real thrill…. The whole show was directed superbly by Michael Lunney …. All in all a tense but gripping production. Well done to the cast and crew on a fantastic performance. 5 STARS”
The Curtain Rises

“Set in the 1880s, this adaptation makes superb use of its historical moment….. The staging is impressively precise… Throughout I was reminded of why theatre remains such a powerful medium. I am always in awe of how live performance can generate tension in a way that feels uniquely shared…. It is immediate and fragile, like the nervous laughter that follows a jump-scare. Yet it can also be as immersive as a novel, drawing you so deeply into its world that the outside fades entirely. In ‘The Signalman’, that immersion is total, built through outstanding acting, stage-craft and effects….‘The Signalman’ lingers because it understands that dread is most powerful when it is restrained. On a chilling January evening in Derby, this meticulously staged, quietly unsettling production felt less like watching a ghost story and more like standing inside one, searching and listening for bells in the darkness. I highly recommend before this tour reaches the end of the line. 5 STARS”
Whats Good To Do (Derby)

“Chris Walker (The Signalman) and John Burton (The Traveller) are a magnificent duo, providing a masterclass in the art of storytelling. This story as it is told in this production, relies heavily on the magic of captivating narration and this pair complement each other in doing so beautifully…. The staging of this performance is also very clever, combining the very realistic Dickensian world created through traditional set and decor with some clever stage trickery and use of technology…. The lighting design, by Bob Hodges, also contributed fantastically to the almost Gothic atmosphere…. The Signalman is currently embarking on a UK tour and is truly the perfect experience for these cold and bitter winter months. Truly haunting in the best way possible! 4 STARS”
Behind the Curtain

“One particularly outstanding aspect of this production is the set, comprised of a railway tunnel, bridge and recreation of a late 19th century signal box. The signal box in particular was researched and designed by director Michael Lunney.. This set is a showcase in attention to detail.. The plot is, however, brought to life in increasingly imaginative ways…. The blend of effects is achieved very effectively and makes for a particularly immersive production. In addition, Walker delivers a particularly strong performance, bringing a subtle sort of terror to the role…. Adaptor Francis Evelyn has taken pains to parallel the Signalman’s troubles at the railway with those suffered by Dickens. With this in mind, the production is a layered entity about the ways in which trauma may stay with us long after it has occurred. 4 STARS”
The Indiependant

“Chris Walker and John Burton, are so impelling as their characters frame the whole vibe of this haunting production and set up, quite nicely, the spooky aspects of it. The script is expert and though the story it is not hugely unsettling; the ghost mystery is what draws one in. Director, Michael Lunney has focused on the scenic detail and provides a high degree of authentic nods to bygone rail station and line. His vision is delivered by the creatives resulting in a stunning static set, twinned with theatrical devices deployed by the technical team this is a visual winner. 4 STARS”
DebraHallCreative.com

“The set is a work of art, designed by director Michael Lunney with the sort of attention to detail that both lovers of the railway and of the ghost story genre will appreciate…. Chris Walker is the deeply troubled Signalman who unburdens himself to John Burton’s sympathetic but gently cynical Traveller…Excellent character portrayals… Both actors bring nuanced meaning to their dialogue and to some periods of effective silence in between. The supporting cast of Bruce Chattan, James Morley, and Adam Mort provide further details and enhance the impact of the story… the creepy atmosphere makes a sudden shock truly scary. Quite a few eyes tight shut at those points.”
TheatreOnline.org/i>

“‘The Signalman’ powerfully depicted a chance relationship between two very disparate characters in an interesting, dramatic location, providing a strong blend of intense acting and stagecraft… superb. The play continues touring until March 2026 and is well worth catching if you fancy an evening of powerful pure theatre.”
Number9 Reviews

“The set was designed perfectly and slowly but surely we are invited in to sit by the fire and watch as supernatural events unfold…..A fantastic take on the classic story really did elevate it to new heights. Spine-chillingly creepy, The Signalman is a Victorian ghost story of the highest quality……masterfully created. 5 STARS”
ManicMumDaysNorthEast

“Prepare to have your levers pushed and nerves shredded by a haunting staging… first class… you will hit the edge of your seat – a lot. The set deserves an ovation… wonderful… heart stopping- and heartily recommended.”
Maidenhead Advertiser

“5 STARS *****”
TheatreandArtsReviews.com

“In the dark, I quickly found myself joining the rest of the audience in shivering at spectral flickers and otherworldly knocks. And it’s that communal, joyous anxiety that is the great pleasure of live theatre: the nervous laughter that ripples through the crowd, the collective gasp at an apparition and the shared dread when the stage falls silent…. A couple of moments were so perfectly timed that I actually jumped, and I definitely wasn’t alone.

Chris Walker’s performance as the Signalman was the standout of the night, carrying the haunted weight of his role with remarkable conviction. I believed every flicker of dread in his solitary moments. And John Burton brought a measured warmth as the Traveller, the steady-handed foil to Walker’s slow unravelling. The supporting cast (Bruce Chattan, James Morley, and Adam Mort) step in with brief, yet memorable, turns that keep the story from feeling locked into a two-hander.

Without question, the set design is the crown jewel of this staging…… In the many moments of uneasy quiet, I found my eyes drifting across the details, half-expecting something to stir in the shadows—and I wasn’t disappointed.

Lynette Webster’s score, reminiscent of classic horror themes, was the perfect accompaniment. It was sparse and haunting and drifted in and out of each scene like a ghost of its own… lighting designer Bob Hodges deserves particular praise for the way he shaped the story.

As the lights came up, I realised I’d been holding my breath throughout the entire final scene. That, for me, is the mark of a successful ghost story. You lean in, listen harder, and inspect the shadows. This production of The Signalman captured that fireside chill with everything I could want: a dark heart and an icy grip. 4.5 STARS”
Northern Arts Review

“Chris Walker and John Burton do a fine job in this wonderfully engrossing and traditional production. The fine acting with a lavish set of extraordinary detail and clever special effects, make it a fascinating yet haunting play that’s well crafted by one of the country’s literary greats. The Signalman is first class theatre that’s wonderfully atmospheric and keeps you guessing right to the end.”
Weekend Notes

“Chris Walker and John Burton both give powerhouse performances. The other cast members also did a sterling job of fleshing out the story in some pivotal scenes with Bruce Chattan as The Inn Keeper, James Morley as The Inspector and Adam Mort as Tom, though their time on stage was small their impact was large. An impressive set courtesy of Michael Lunney … Fantastic Lighting by Bob Hodges… a magnificent score by Lynette Webster. A thoroughly enjoyable work, this stage adaptation is superb… and I heartily recommend this play.”
Fairy Powered Productions (Malvern)

“Impressive… the acting is Top Notch. FIVE STARS *****”
A View From the Stalls

“Imaginative staging and a gifted cast… expect to be shocked in your seat, and to feel your spine tingle.” 
Gloucestershire Echo

“A triumph”
Birmingham Mail

“Has the S Factor – it’s slick, spooky and superb. Special effects are stunning..  a first-class piece of theatre. FIVE STARS”
Wirral Globe

“Filled with forboding…you can’t tear your eyes away. The staging was pitched at just the right level of darkness to completely unnerve the audience.”
Maidenhead Advertiser

“Perfect performances…impressively scary… expertly crafted by the cast and crew, a perfect way to while away a January evening.”
GetWestLondon

“An unsettling treat. 4 STARS”
Liverpool Echo

“Works a treat… the stellar cast put in a top performance”
Whatsonstage

“Excellent sets and a clever synthesis of high tech projection and good old-fashioned stage-craft. Immensely authentic and atmospheric “
Virtual Shropshire

“Expertly executed… genuinely unnerving and skilfully conveyed”
Daily Post

“A well-executed mix of technical wizardry, lighting, costumes and an engrossing performance from the leads… draws to a terrifying crescendo eliciting gasps from the crowd”
North Wales Pioneer

“Ghost stories demand atmosphere and this touring production has it in spades…a lovely piece of classic gothic theatre”
East Angian Daily Times

“A spine-tingling treat… I was jumping out of my seat. It certainly convinced me more than The Woman In Black”
Hemel Hempstead Gazette

“Mesmerising…A challanging transition from page to stage, this contempory portrayal of a traditional tale ultimately proved a triumph… a gripping production”
Life Magazine

“The Devonshire Park hosts many fine performances, but few match the pitch-perfect acting, set design, costumes, lighting design and special effects in this production”
Eastbourne Herald

“To see such acting and such suspense in Eastbourne is a real treat and the test of a good ghost story is to make you go home scared of your own shadow. This production definitely passes the test”
Sussex Express

“Slickly directed… classy… had this been a Broadway show the very impressive set would have received applause when the curtain went up. Michael Lunney deserves to take a bow for this… breathtaking stuff!”
Remotegoat

“Has the S Factor – it’s slick, spooky and superb. Breathtaking sets…special effects are stunning.. Classic Ghosts is a first-class piece of theatre and Jack Shepherd is as dyamic as ever. FIVE STARS”
Wirral Globe

“A superb night at the Opera House… Shepherd and Hardiman committed themselves to their roles with relish… caused the entire audience to simultaneously jump and cry out… Director Michael Lunney knows how to deliver an effective fright”
Jersey Evening Post

“It was hard not to revel in the interplay between seasoned actors Jack Shepherd and Terrance Hardiman.. Classic Ghosts is an unsettling treat. 4 STARS”
Liverpool Echo