August 6, 2025
Meet The Stars Of The Signalman
Chris Walker and John Burton star in Middle Ground Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of Charles Dicken’s ghostly masterpiece The Signalman, coming to Harrogate Theatre this September. Chris is probably best known for his fifteen years playing Rob Hollins in Doctors, as well as regular roles in Merseybeat, Playing the Field, The Bill and Coronation Street. John is best known for his ongoing portrayal of Sergeant Goodfellow in the hugely successful worldwide series Father Brown, along with regular character of Alan Gordon in Brookside.
We caught up with Chris and John to find out more about The Signalman and get to know them a bit better…
Tell us a little about The Signalman
Chris: It follows a signalman on an isolated stretch of train line who is haunted by visions of an impending disaster. We learn he has a ‘deep and terrible state of mind’, which is portrayed within this beautifully written adaptation of the play. I remember watching the 1976 film and it frightened me to death! It is a scary piece of work, and I can’t wait for it to be on stage.
John: The Signalman is a classic short story by Charles Dickens and adapted for the stage by Francis Evelyn. I was in the Cotswolds when I first read this script, and I went to the White Hart Hotel to be on my own with a glass of red wine, and I read it from cover to cover. And as I was reading it, I got hairs on the back of my neck. That is the literary talent of Dickens.
What attracted you to the role?
Chris: I haven’t been on stage for twenty-nine years, the last time being in 1996 in the West End with The Changing Room by David Storey. I did a lot of stage work before then but after the West End it was all in front of the camera. Playing the role of The Signalman was the perfect opportunity for me and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. It’s a substantial part, and I can’t wait to get started.
John: I knew of the story and that was part of what drew me to the role. As a child, I viewed the BBC adaptation featuring Denholm Elliott and he was phenomenal. As a youngster it was horrific, and the scary vision portrayed in the film stayed with me for over forty-five years. When my agent asked me if I wanted to play The Traveller in the play adaptation the first thing that came to my mind was the frightening vision as portrayed by the film. So I read the story again and thought this is so good and the fact it has been adapted and broadened out for the stage was incredible. I also read the reviews and press cuttings of the previous tour of The Signalman by Middle Ground Theatre Company and kept thinking this is so good.
Are you a Dickens fan?
Chris: Of course! Who isn’t? He writes so beautifully well, and his language is superb. The adaptation we have is just fantastic, a real joy. I’m looking forward to playing a part in a different era after playing modern–day parts for many years. Dickens is different, and that is a lovely challenge. He weaves magic and his characters are deep and meaningful. The way he presents his characters is fascinating.
John: I love A Christmas Carol, that is one my favourites, plus David Copperfield and A Tale of Two Cities. He is undoubtedly one of the best literary writers alongside Agatha Christie, his name alone brings in audiences. He is a legend, a brilliant writer.
Why do people find ghost stories so enduring?
Chris: People like to be on the edge of their seat, to be scared. People also love to laugh, to cry and to feel different emotions when watching or reading a play. We love being scared to death.
John: The same reason people are drawn to going on roller coaster rides, they look for the biggest ride to go on so they can be frightened. And that’s why people turn to ghost stories; they want to jump out of their seats and be frightened. In the theatre there is extra magic as the experience is intimate, and the audience can’t escape from their seats; they must watch as the story unfolds live in front of them.
Do you have any connections to any of the places The Signalman will be touring?
Chris: Harrogate is nearest to me being in Yorkshire, but I’m so looking forward to visiting all the theatres. I do not know Salisbury very well so that will be interesting, and I’m really looking forward to Jersey at the end of the tour.
What do you do away from acting to unwind?
Chris: My passion is cooking! So I’ll be cooking during the tour as well as enjoying some eating out.
John: Theatre is embedded in my heart, and I like to see friends’ performances. I am happy to do this alone or in company. I enjoy eating out as well as playing golf and running. I like to keep busy!
The Signalman is part of Harrogate Theatre’s exclusive Drama Season, running from TUE 02 SEP – SAT 06 SEP 2025. Book here.
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