Originally commissioned and produced by A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Oran Mor, Glasgow. Subsequently produced by Perth Theatre and then on tour with Raw Material Arts.

Actor Tom McGovern originally came up with the idea of creating a play that explored the true story of the Tay Bridge disaster. He gave the idea to Peter Arnott, who then wrote the play. It tells the story of the Signalman who let the last train onto the Tay Bridge on the night it collapsed. It’s set 40 years on from the event, when  a personal tragedy forces him to relive the story that’s haunted him for four decades.

Ken Alexander says, “Although it’s a monologue, Tom really takes you on the journey – and the one thing I wanted to do was to strip it down to let the his presence as the title character have maximum impact. I wanted to create the atmosphere of an Edwardian ghost story and Tom Peter and I worked with the composer, Jon Beales, to create a soundscape that would heighten and underpin the action.”

The play was nominated in four categories in the Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland, including ‘Best Director’. It won ‘Best Actor’ for Tom McGovern, ‘Best New Play’ for Peter Arnott and ‘Best Production’ and was garlanded with multiple five star reviews.

Cast: Tom McGovern

Director: Ken Alexander

Designer: Gemma Patchett (Oran Mor), Rebecca Minto (Perth Theatre & Tour)

Composer: Jon Beales

Lighting Design: Ross Kirkland and Chris Reilly (Oran Mor), Wayne Dowdeswell (Perth Theatre & Tour)

Production Photographer: Leslie Black (Oran Mor), Mihaela Bodlovic (Perth Theatre & Tour)

“Ken Alexander’s beautifully-pitched production… the genius of Arnott’s script lies in a richness of detail that links 1879 to 1919, and 1919 to 2019…profound and unforgettable.” *****Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

“Director Ken Alexander’s fine production is enhanced by a simple-but-effective signal box set (which is lit brilliantly by Ross Kirkland and Chris Reilly), as well as atmospheric music and sound by Jon Beales. Most memorable, however, is McGovern’s powerful and intense performance.” *****Mark Brown, The Herald On Sunday

“…striking and effective… Arnott uses the facts to pick away at society’s culture of blaming and shaming… McGovern’s whole body seems consumed by the storm that found the bridge wanting in resilient strength… Every terrified stare, every shrinking in on himself, every rising inflection of panic at unseen perils appears innately real… director Ken Alexander’s instincts allow The Signalman’s emotional heft to build towards an ending that makes you want to weep.” *****Mary Brennan, The Herald

“Arnott’s play, McGovern’s performance and Ken Alexander’s production are already justly garlanded with awards; and now audiences across Scotland have a chance to catch up with this uniquely powerful and timely reflection on the vanity of human…  delivered with stunning force.” *****Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

“McGovern is a masterclass in the delivery of Peter Arnott’s considered script. So captivating is the tale unfolding in front of us that we wince with every emotional twist, turn and strain of the play… He flips without a breath but physically changes with staggering craft. Director Ken Alexander has stripped the piece of distractive theatrical wizardry, putting the award-winning drama front and centre without interruption. It’s a bold and risky move – but pays off unequivocally… Like all great pieces of theatre, The Signalman‘s success is in its lingering impact. Some thoughts and emotions resurface after hours; some after days.” ****Fraser McDonald, Braw Theatre

Link to Perth Theatre Vox Pops: https://youtu.be/MNPj9hI9bzE