There is something distinctly British about David Alnwick’s latest performance, The Signalman. The critically acclaimed occult illusionist has worked his magic for a range of audiences, from the Edinburgh Fringe to Fortune 500 businesspeople, but this show brings something unique to the stage. A one-man show that is equal parts haunting, hyperactive and hilarious; simply put, Alnwick’s The Signalman is an energetic testament to the artistry of author, journalist and amateur magician, apparently, Charles Dickens.
Presented as an evening of Victorian illusions and ghost stories, The Signalman is well suited to the delightfully bewitching Wilton’s Music Hall. This 300-year-old building, with its exposed brick and high, arched ceilings, does a fantastic job of creating an eerie atmosphere in anticipation of the moment when Alnwick arrives on stage.
Not that he needs any help creating an atmosphere. Alnwick is a natural performer, instantly sparking a connection with his audience. His deft trickery, combined with his bold charisma, is what makes every illusion work. Even when a trick doesn’t go as expected, Alnwick’s ability to laugh at himself and surprise the audience is almost more impressive than the intended illusion. Despite his gentlemanly air and Victorian styling, there’s still something modern about his patter. Perhaps Dickens himself never used the term “that is what’s known as a d*ck move”, but these glimmers of Alnwick’s personality, as an actor and as a comedian, make him all the more relatable.
Once the illusions are over, Alnwick segues into a recital of ‘The Signalman’, the short story which he describes as Dickens’ greatest. The story itself is compelling, but it’s Alnwick’s skills as an actor that actually bring the story to life before the audience’s eyes. Despite the passion behind his reading, the shift in tempo following the interactive and vibrant dynamic of the magic performance is significant, and the reading doesn’t have the same fire as Alnwick’s original work. Still, the interplay between ghost stories, magic and the Dickens connection is interesting, so seeing how Alnwick might blend the ghost stories more seamlessly into the magic, or bring more of his magic into the stories, would only make the performance more impressive.
Though The Signalman’s current run at Wilton’s Music Hall is only from 29th June to 1st July, a bonus date on 3rd September has also been added for anyone who misses the June shows. Whichever date is chosen, one thing is certain. David Alnwick will deliver a pulsing evening of unforgettable showmanship. He is, without a doubt, one to watch.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
