Based on Paula Hawkins' international bestseller, The Girl on the Train has captivated audiences worldwide in both novel and film form. Adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, this psychological thriller returns for a UK tour, with Giovanna Fletcher taking on the lead role of Rachel Watson. This production promises an evening of mystery, tension, and suspense.
Rachel Watson is a woman on the edge. Struggling with alcoholism and reeling from the breakdown of her marriage, she clings to the routine of her daily train journeys. From her seat, she fixates on what she perceives to be the perfect couple, Megan and Scott Hipwell, living just a few doors down from her former home. When Megan suddenly goes missing, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation, unsure whether she is a witness, a suspect, or something far more disturbing. As she pieces together fragmented memories, the truth proves to be far more shocking than she ever imagined.
The production’s staging is cleverly designed to reflect Rachel’s disjointed and unreliable perspective. Minimalist yet atmospheric, the set shifts seamlessly between locations, using clever lighting and subtle visual cues to mark the transition between past and present. The train window motif, which frames Rachel’s voyeuristic tendencies, is particularly effective. Hazy lighting and smoke effects add to the mystery and unease. Costumes are appropriately understated, with Rachel’s dishevelled appearance subtly evolving throughout the production to reflect her psychological journey. The sound design adds to the suspense, with eerie underscore and sudden bursts of noise heightening the tension at key moments.
Giovanna Fletcher delivers a compelling performance as Rachel, capturing the character’s vulnerability, obsession, and moments of clarity with depth and nuance. She balances moments of despair with flashes of dark humour, making Rachel both relatable and unpredictable. Samuel Collings shines as Scott Hipwell, bringing a layered performance that moves from grief to suspicion with gripping intensity. Jason Merrells as Tom Watson and Zena Carswell as Anna Watson both provide strong supporting performances, with Carswell particularly effective in her portrayal of Anna’s frustration and unease. Natalie Dunn’s portrayal of Megan Hipwell adds an ethereal quality to the production, with her flashback scenes offering key insights into the unfolding mystery. Paul McEwan as DI Gaskill injects a welcome dose of dry wit, while Daniel Burke as Kamal Abdic keeps the audience guessing about his true intentions.
The Girl on the Train is a gripping and immersive adaptation that masterfully brings Paula Hawkins' psychological thriller to life on stage. With a strong cast, inventive staging, and a script packed with twists and tension, this production keeps audiences captivated from start to finish. The seamless transitions, atmospheric design, and haunting performances create an experience that lingers long after the final scene. A rollercoaster of suspense, it leaves you guessing until the very last moment—proving that in this world, nothing is ever quite what it seems.
The Girl on the Train is at The Lowry until Saturday 15th February 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Pamela Raith
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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