ArtsGroupie presents:
The Signalman
A Ghost Story by Charles Dickens
See The Signalman Live
From the Producers of Kitty: Queen of the Washhouse and A Portrait of William Roscoe comes a slice of winter terror with a new adaptation of the much-loved Charles Dickens supernatural classic, The Signalman.
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
In the tradition of classic oral storytelling, a lantern and two players is all that is needed to tell the spine tingling tale of the Signalman.
The tour starts at the atmospheric Engine Room at Metal, Edge Hill Station and will visit various locations during November.
Including, the idyllic Mansion House, The Reader at Calderstones, the popular pub theatre in Salford, The Kings Arms, the reputed establishment Liverpool Athenaeum and a new performance space for Artsgroupie, The Storey in Lancaster
After the success of last years Ghost Stories for Xmas, which will be returning in December, Artsgroupie is delighted to be working again with esteemed local writer and director David Griffiths
“The Signalman is a powerful and haunting story about survivor’s guilt and isolation – something we believe will be of striking relevance to our audience following the pandemic. Our inability to control events around us can be more frightening than any ghost, as Dickens knew well. He wrote from experience, a survivor of the Staplehurst railway disaster – events that both inspired and haunted the author.”
David Griffiths, Writer and Director
“Last year, I worked with David on a critically acclaimed production of Orwell’s 1984 and Artsgroupie produced the successful Ghost Stories For Xmas.
We are delighted to be once again collaborating on a much loved classic, playing some new locations and re-visiting some of our favourite local venues.”
John Maguire, Creative Director ArtsGroupie
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Performances:
The Signalman at The Reader, Calderstones
told by John Maguire & David Griffiths
Saturday 18 November 2023, 3pm – 4pm
Saturday 18 November 2023, 3pm – 4pm
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About The Reader at Calderstones Park
The Reader at Calderstones exists for a mission no less than a Reading Revolution. They explain (and ArtsGroupie wholeheartedly concurs): ”
For thousands of years, literature has helped humans to find meaning and connection by providing a powerful language to explore our inner thoughts and feelings.
Today, many of us don’t have the time, concentration or inclination to read. Yet at the same time, we’re experiencing an epidemic of mental ill health, stress and depression, and despite technological advances, many of us feel disconnected from each other.
We believe that literature’s unique power has the potential to connect individuals, help us feel better and to rebuild lost social bonds.
We are building a Reading Revolution, bringing people together and books to life in order to make warmer, healthier, stronger communities.”
The Signalman at The Liverpool Athenaeum
ArtsGroupie returns to the Athenaeum's evocative performance space with The Signalman
Thursday, November 23rd Performance: 7.00-9.00pm Before & After reception and discussion: Arrive 6pm, ends at 10pm.
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About The Liverpool Athenaeum
The Athenaeum is, and always has been, a haven in the heart of Liverpool that offers a distinguished setting and an atmosphere unrivalled in the City. It was founded in 1797 to provide a meeting place where ideas and information could be exchanged in pleasant surroundings. Today, it continues to provide this facility in the elegant building near the Bluecoat Chambers in Church Alley. Read more about the Athenaeum’s distinguished history as a Merseyside cultural hotspot.
Image of the Athenaeum: By Rodhullandemu – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66467144
The Signalman at The Storey, Lancaster
See the Signalman in the stunning Victorian setting of one of Lancaster's famous landmarks.
25/11/2023, 15:00
25/11/2023, 19:00
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About The Storey, Lancaster
Thomas Storey’s philanthropic 19th century vision for the promotion of art, science, literature and technical instruction for the people of Lancaster lives on to this day. Now re-modelled and purpose-designed as a centre for the creative industries, The Storey hosts more than 20 innovative businesses and organisations. Learn the history of this exceptional Grade II listed building.
The Signalman at The Kings Arms Salford
ArtsGroupie return to the legendary Kings Arms at Salford with The Signalman
19th November 2023 – 7:30 pm
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About The Kings Arms Salford
The Kings Arms is at the heart of the community with connections that strive to bring about a sense of empowerment and positive spirit for the people of Salford and Manchester. Since 2011 this historic pub has regularly accommodated art exhibitions, fringe festivals, gigs, poetry night and all sorts of weird and wonderful types of entertainment.
The Signalman at Metal Culture
A unique opportunity to meet The Signalman at the oldest active passenger railway station in the world!
Sat 04 Nov 2023 2pm
Sat 04 Nov 2023 4pm
“As solitary a place as ever I saw…It struck a chill to me, as if I had left the natural world.” A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe. A gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
About Metal Culture Liverpool
Metal Culture Liverpool is situated at Edge Hill Station, the oldest active passenger railway station in the world. Since renovating the unused building in 2009, we use the space to serve as an artists hub and creative space for the neighbourhood. In the city, we focus on engaging and empowering local people and the diverse communities in the surrounding areas of Edge Hill, Kensington, Wavertree and Toxteth, through art, education and social events.
Our History
The station was originally opened in 1830, and signified ‘the day the world got smaller’ with George Stephenson’s Rocket passing through the station on its way to Manchester as the first passenger train to travel at high speeds between cities. Since Metal’s reopening of Edge Hill Station in 2009 it has been home to numerous artists and cultural organisations, as well as hosting workshops and labs, film nights and exhibitions, and large scale outdoor events.
