The Signalman Review: Dickens thriller set against the backdrop of the London Underground this Halloween
27 October 2026 | 19:30 | The Bridewell Theatre, London (Blackfriars)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | PR - Invite
Based on Charles Dickens' classic ghost story The Signal-Man, first published in 1866, Dan Dawes (who co-directs and plays the title role) and Idle Disclosure present a modern adaptation of The Signalman, transporting audiences to a more familiar London Underground. Dickens' tale uses the isolation of a Victorian railway worker and his increasingly disturbing encounters to build a sense of dread. This week-long production takes this premise and brings it into an uncanny setting that we all recognise.
Without giving too much away to those new to the story, this adaptation delivers jumps and unsettling scenes aplenty. The intimate Bridewell Theatre proves to be the perfect setting for such an event, with its deep stage and overhanging balcony skilfully incorporated into the action, as the characters navigate the Underground. Juliette Demoulin's incredible set design revels in its compactness, drawing audiences into this claustrophobic world and making the performance feel uncomfortably close.
Andrew Whadcoat's lighting designs are equally impressive, creating the illusion of a Tube carriage passing through the space before plunging us into total darkness. A clever balance between light and shadow heightens the atmosphere and puts audiences on the edge of their seats, while carefully timed reveals leave us anticipating what might appear next.
Its pacing is another real positive. Running for just over an hour without an interval, we always remain immersed in the story, allowing the suspense to build without interruption. There is no opportunity to lose momentum or rest in the safety of the house lights going up, making the experience all the more impactful.
As a two-person supernatural thriller, the show relies heavily on its actors, where Dan Dawes and James G Nunn are both fantastic, playing off one another's fear to build the groundwork of suspense. Dawes is particularly impressive as a contemporary Signalman, whose understanding of the material reflects in a confident, assured stage presence. This production has a history dating back to 2017, when a rehearsed reading took place at the Courtyard Theatre, suggesting this has been a long-term development. Alongside co-director Autumn Evelyn, Dawes has taken an established classic and accelerated its relevance while maintaining the spirit of the original text.
Nunn, who is also a producer on this play, is equally engaging as the Young Man, bringing a modern 'geezer' attitude to the character which feels recognisable for audiences. The onstage chemistry between the pair is excellent, with their contrasting personalities creating a playground for both tension and humour. Nunn's immediacy provides some welcome comic relief, in turn making darker scenes more brutal in comparison.
What I wasn't quite expecting, was just how frightening this production would be! The jump-scares are impeccably timed to catch you off guard when you least expect them; and there is something especially unnerving about Victorian folklore in a place as familiar as the London Underground. It's a ordinary, routine place that locals will see every single day, transformed into somewhere sinister. And despite its creeping dread, its humour fits superbly in conjunction with this horror, proving that the two genres can complement one another, and leave you thinking long after the show has finished.
With its inventive staging, transformative lighting, dynamic performances and genuinely effective scares, The Signalman makes the most of the Bridewell Theatre's limited (and liminal) space to give an often-adapted narrative a new lease of life. Running for one week only until the 31st October - Halloween itself! - you'll need to be quick if you want to catch this one. Just don't be surprised if your journey home feels a little different afterwards...
The Signalman Tickets & Info (recommended 16+): https://sbf.org.uk/whats-on/view/6490/
