The Curtain Theatre Reviewers

  Tuesday 27th January 2026 "The Signalman" Derby Theatre ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) As a fan of Charles Dickens, I was excited to see this gothic tale come to life. First impressions tabs closed, the suspense builds rapidly as the eerie piano music plays. The use of smoke and flashing lights as the trains go past starts the show and is used throughout, immediately leaving a chill in the air. Instantly, the set makes you feel as if you are right outside the signal box, with trees constantly moving, echoed by the constant sound of wind, the leaves on the ground and the smoke that rises to add to the atmosphere. Inside the signal box, it feels like a home from home for the Signal Man, with a fireplace, brick walls, books, a crucifix, and even a working clock, which he references as each train goes by. And of course, the main attraction the train track leading into the tunnel, which is cleverly enhanced with projection to add those spooky spirits. Not to spoil the fun but the stage crew’s ...

Tuesday 20th January 2026 "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" CTC |  BrightLights Theatre School Loughborough Town Hall  5 Stars From the moment you walk into the auditorium, you are already part of the magic. The first thing you see is the famous Chitty car, styled in beautiful old-fashioned detail and placed in a petrol station setting. Before a single note is played or a word is spoken, the production has already pulled you into its world making it the perfect choice as my first show of the year to review. From the very first note of the overture to the final bow, this production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a celebration of everything theatre should be: magical, joyful, emotional, funny and full of heart. It was a show that didn’t just entertain it completely pulled the audience into its world and refused to let go until the very end. The story follows inventor Caractacus Potts, his two children and his father, Grandpa Potts. When Caractacus rescues an old racing car from being ...