By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
I consider Charles Dickens’ The Signalman to be the perfect ghost story. So when I heard that a live stage adaption of this classic tale was coming to my local theatre, the Theatre Royal Nottingham, I jumped at the chance and got myself a front-row seat. This limited three-night run was not to be missed!
I am unable to put into words, the excitement I felt as I sat on that front row, knowing that I was about to experience one of my favourite ghost stories in front of my very eyes. As the curtain lifted, the dark silhouetted figure of a signalman, surrounded by smoke evoked an entire range of emotions within me. The loud sound design of a train passing through the tunnel, followed by the deathly silence, I eagerly anticipated those iconic words… “HALLOA! Below there!” – a smile appeared on my face, so large it hurt… it was finally happening, I was about to watch The Signalman…
One of the standout aspects of the production was the superb acting by the two co-leads. John Goodrum, who portrayed the titular signalman Joseph Standcot, delivered a haunting and emotionally charged performance. His portrayal of the character’s growing unease and sense of impending doom was genuinely remarkable. Goodrum was able to portray an entire host of emotions with his haunted stare. Pavan Maru, who played Richard Brightwell, was just as impressive! While I did enjoy his performance in the first act, I think Maru comes to life in the second act, when he is able to showcase more varied emotions. Both Goodrum and Maru have a real positive onstage chemistry and the pair work seamlessly together.
From a production standpoint, the set design also deserves special mention. John Goodrum, Clive Goodlad and Pete Siddon have worked wonders, creating a visually stunning and atmospheric railway setting that transported the audience back to the Victorian era. The use of dim lighting, fog, and sound effects added to the eerie ambience, creating an immersive experience that kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the performance. David Gilbrook’s sound design and Keith Tuttle’s lighting design were fantastic, filling the entire theatre with a chilling atmosphere that strikes at your very core.
One of the most commendable aspects of this production was its faithfulness to Dickens’ original narrative while still allowing for some creative reinterpretation. The adaptation managed to preserve the story’s enigmatic nature and its ability to instill a sense of dread, all while making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience.
The direction and pacing of the play were spot-on, effectively building tension and suspense as the story unfolded. It was evident that director Karen Henson and the entire production team had a deep understanding of the source material, and this was reflected in the seamless execution of the play.
With its incredible cast, evocative production design and appreciation of the source material, this adaptation of The Signalman brings Dickens’ timeless ghost story to life in a way that is both faithful and fresh. It is a production that will leave you haunted and contemplative, long after the curtain call. I wholeheartedly recommend The Signalman by Rumpus Theatre Company for a spine-tingling and memorable theatrical experience.
X-Geeks 