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.
It’s not easy to shock an audience when most will be familiar with the storyline, however the conviction of the cast to establish a quiet eeriness on stage throughout was the magic this performance needed to succeed.
That conviction was enhanced by the detail that the production went into in a physical sense to set the scene. From the beautifully designed set with real milk in the milk jug to a working clock, the senses were treated during the show.
As we were so absorbed in the language and mystery of the tale, achieved by both factors interwoven, the moments of fright paid off fully – to the rapturous applause of the auditorium.
With the help of two outstanding and well-known screen actors, John Burton and Chris Walker, the winter chill of the gothic tale reached its full potential.
Timing is crucial in this production to level it up from lukewarm to sublime. And to their well-rehearsed credit, all those working on stage and behind the scenes to create such a suspenseful environment pulled it all off marvellously.
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.