The Signalman - Derby Theatre

 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 timing for the ‘bumps in the night’ is truly well done. The attention to detail is impeccable. A big round of applause to Andy Martin and the rest of the scenic team behind the set.

You can definitely tell the research that has gone into this production. The costumes are accurate to the time period, from the tight checkered cloak to the shiny buttons on the jacket. They are perfectly designed by Jane Stuart Brown and Rachel Johnson.

The microphones are scattered around the set, which does pick up a lot of footsteps and movement that can sometimes distract from the dialogue. However, the sound effects that accompany the stories the characters are telling create an uneasy feeling throughout. This has clearly been well thought out by White Tip Media.

The lighting may seem simple, but it is very effective, with a breakout across the stage that looks like leaves, face light that creates the signal box space and the ‘moonlight’ outside. 

Throughout the play, the lights are dimmed, flashed, and pulsed to create uncomfortable moments, from ghostly appearances to moments of general tension. A great design by Bob Hodges.

On the tunnel, there is a projected train track that remains consistent throughout, until spirits begin to appear and at the very end, a train that looks as though it is about to come straight out of the screen and towards the audience. It’s a very clever way of adding these elements without needing to build them as physical set pieces. The graphics are seamlessly delivered by White Tip Media.

The acting from all cast members is incredible. The sudden distance you feel when the Signal Man is seeing the spirits is a real juxtaposition to the chatty nature of the character, beautifully played by Chris Walker. He captures the trauma the Signal Man has clearly endured following previous accidents, which ties perfectly into the writing as we learn about the foreshadowing the ghosts bring and the plot twist surrounding job roles at the time of those events. It highlights just how frail the character has become as he grows older.

The Traveller is the curious character who asks the questions the audience needs answered about the goings-on around the railway, perfectly played by John Burton. He clearly has a strong understanding of the railway and is eager to uncover all the gory details, piecing the story together as it unfolds.

Bruce Chattan plays the friendly and funny Innkeeper, instantly making you wish you were staying in his inn. He speaks of the accidents with such horror that you can truly feel the pain they caused, before switching effortlessly to a pleasant and welcoming character who takes great pride in the food he serves again, a complete juxtaposition.

The smaller characters are just as important. The Inspector, played by James Morley and Tom played by Adam Mort, may only appear later in the show but are crucial to the story. Tom is the driver who tragically kills the Signal Man and is clearly devastated. Adam portrays this extremely well through his hyperventilated crying and shaken body language. The Inspector has clearly seen many accidents before and appears far less affected by the death on the track. He attempts to comfort Tom to no avail as he writes notes and asks questions about the Traveller and what has occurred.

Lastly, the shock appearance of the ghost was brilliant a real thrill for those who seek it. The audience were certainly agog. Simple effects, such as being plunged into darkness and the Signal Man stumbling around trying to find a match, make the moment incredibly effective. As the match lights, the ghostly figure is suddenly right there behind him.

The whole show was directed superbly by Michael Lunney and it was clear that detail mattered to everyone involved.

All in all a tense but gripping production. Well done to the cast and crew on a fantastic performance.

Quick shoutout to the Derby Theatre staff for being amazing as always!

"The Signalman" is at the Derby Theatre until Saturday 31st January 2026.

Written By Kiah Smith