- Tell us a little about The Signalman play
It’s based on a short novel by Charles Dickens and 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.
- What attracted you to the role of the Signalman?
It’s an atmospheric and psychological thriller in so many ways. 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 Signalman’ was the perfect opportunity to for me and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. It’s a substantial part, and I can’t wait to get started.
- Are you a Dickens fan?
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.
- What is it about Dickens that still manages to connect with people in the 21st century?
Dickens is storytelling at its best. He weaves magic and his characters are deep and meaningful. The way he presents his characters is fascinating. AI will never replace the writing of Dickens. It can try to copy but it will never be the real him.
- Why do people find ghost stories so enduring?
People like to be on the edge of their seat, to be sacred. People also love to laugh, to cry and to feel different emotions when watching or reading a play. We love being scared to death.
- Have you done much touring in the past? How do you find it?
I have done one nights and played in many tours with theatres across the country. But there’s quite a lot on this tour that I haven’t played before, so that’s going to be interesting. I first went on tour in 1984 with Up and Under with Hull Truck Theatre and that toured all over the country. It is such a joy with The Signalman that I get to stay with one theatre for a week before moving on to the next.
- Do you have any connections to any of the places we will be touring?
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?
My passion is cooking! So I’ll be cooking during the tour as well as enjoying some eating out.
Follow Us!
For more information and THE SIGNALMAN updates, visit the Derby Theatre website here: The Signalman – Derby Theatre or follow us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube – @derbytheatre).