Stage Review The Signalman

Pictured left to right actors Bruce Chattan, John Burton, Chris Walker, Adam Mort, James Morley. The cast of The Signalman A Middle Ground Touring Production 2025/2026 at Derby Theatre January 2026

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The Signalman

written by Charles Dickens

Adapted for stage by Francis Evelyn

Directed by Michael Lunney

Frances Evelyn’s perception that The Signalman (originally a short novel by Dickens) would work as stage play of two acts (each 40 mins long) is exactly right; as a classic like this is forever popular with theatre audiences. Middle Ground Theatre Company is touring this production and it straightforwardly delivers for anyone who enjoys a classic, slow-paced, Victorian drama/ghost story that doesn't drag on.

Actor Chris Walker as The Signalman The Signalman Stage Play

Overview 

The signalman is on the night shift and in his signal box he responds to the low tech operations of the age, pushing buttons and pulling levers diverting trains safely away from the line of track which he is responsible for; allowing the one train a day to travel through his tunnel. He undertakes these tasks like clockwork and with great care and diligence. 

The traveller, a gentleman and railway enthusiast, climbs down the embankment calling out to the signalman, who stands outside his box, the other side of the track, with his lighted lamp which he shines in the man’s direction. Though cautious and suspicious at first, he eventually invites the visitor into his station for a cup of tea. The two get acquainted by sharing stories of rail travel and of railway accidents that had made news closer to home. 

When the traveller returns on the following night he becomes aware that the signalman is somewhat haunted by tragic events. This is the run up, so what follows is a somewhat foreseeable unravelling rather than a plot twist at the play's end.

Actor John Burton (The Traveller)

Comment

With a small cast of five the dialogue between the signalman and traveller, actors 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.

The Signalman will not have you sitting on the edge of the seat but it is, nonetheless, a cosy, yet creepy, little tale

Note: the tour is dedicated to the company's late and much missed, Andy Martin (Master Scenic Carpenter).

ENDS

Stage Review of The Signalman at Derby Theatre by Theatre Critic Debra Hall who attended the 2.30pm performance on 28 January 2026

REFERENCES

Printed Programme The Signalman by Charles Dickens Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd 2025

Derby Theatre Derby Theatre 50th Anniversary Celebrations and Press Performances Jan–Feb 08 Jan

CREDITS

Production Photography Marcus Fernando/Mat Larkin