My daughter, Stacey, and I were thrilled to attend the opening night of The Girl on the Train at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham last night. Having heard so much about Paula Hawkins’ best-selling thriller – and knowing the powerful themes and twists it promises – we couldn’t wait to see how this dark, gripping story would be brought to life on stage. With its intriguing blend of mystery, suspense, and deeply human drama, we had high expectations, and we weren’t disappointed. Want to find out more? Then make sure you read on!
WHAT IS THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN ABOUT?
The Girl on the Train, based on Paula Hawkins’ 2015 best-selling thriller, is a chilling exploration of obsession, memory, and the consequences of choices. It follows Rachel Watson, a recovering alcoholic, who clings to the routine of her daily train rides – her last semblance of structure after losing her job and her marriage. From the window of her train, Rachel watches the world go by, fixating on a seemingly perfect couple, Megan and Scott Hipwell, who live near her former home. To Rachel, they represent everything she has lost and longs for.
One day, Rachel observes something unusual during her commute. Shortly after, Megan is reported missing, and Rachel, convinced she’s seen something crucial, throws herself into the investigation. But as she digs deeper, she’s forced to confront her own fractured memories and unreliable perceptions. What follows is a tense unraveling of secrets, lies, and twists that keep audiences guessing until the very end.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
This stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train is nothing short of gripping. From the moment the lights dim, the production draws you into Rachel’s fractured world – a world full of mystery, tension, and unease. The story itself is well-crafted, expertly blending flashbacks, narration, and present-day action to create a compelling and suspenseful experience. The staging is particularly effective in pulling this off, with clever scene transitions and a dreamlike haze that mirrors Rachel’s state of mind. Directed by Loveday Ingram, the movement of characters across the stage feels almost cinematic, adding to the production’s haunting quality.
The cast delivers outstanding performances, led by Giovanna Fletcher as Rachel. Fletcher embodies the character’s complexities beautifully – from her chaotic, drunken moments where you question her reliability, to the moments of clarity where she emerges as a determined investigator. Her vulnerability and desperation feel real, making it impossible not to root for her, even when you’re unsure of her role in the unfolding drama.
Jason Merrells as Tom, Rachel’s ex-husband, brings a likable yet unsettling quality to his performance. He portrays a man who has moved on, building a new life with his partner Anna (Zena Carswell), yet still seems tethered to Rachel in ways that raise suspicion. Carswell, as Anna, is equally compelling, balancing her frustration with Rachel and her own insecurities within her seemingly perfect life.
Megan and Scott Hipwell, played by Natalie Dunn and Samuel Collings, are at the center of the mystery. Dunn’s portrayal of Megan is ethereal, with her flashback scenes providing both answers and more questions as the story unfolds. Collings, meanwhile, brings raw emotion to the role of Scott, creating some powerful, tension-filled moments with Fletcher as their characters search for the truth. Daniel Burke also delivers a strong performance as Kamal Abdic, Megan’s psychologist, a character whose motives are constantly under scrutiny.
The stage design deserves a special mention. Duncan Abel and Rachel Wagstaff’s adaptation uses clever staging to help the audience navigate the shifts in time and memory, while still keeping us guessing. A drinks cabinet defines Scott’s home, a rug: Tom’s lounge, a chair symbolises Kamal’s surgery, and a mattress captures the stark reality of Rachel’s bedsit. Scene transitions are seamlessly executed, with shadowy, ghostlike figures in drunken binges covering the change of location. The use of lighting and haze adds a dreamlike quality, and the clever set pieces, particularly during the climax, ensure the tension never lets up.
For fans of thrillers and mysteries, this adaptation of The Girl on the Train is a must-see. With a fantastic cast, gripping storyline, and atmospheric stagecraft, it offers a thrilling evening of escapism. Whether you’re familiar with the novel or the film or are completely new to the story, this production delivers on every front, leaving you guessing until the very end.
SUMMARY
The Girl on the Train is a masterful adaptation that blends gripping suspense with poignant explorations of addiction, trauma, and loss. The atmospheric stage design, seamless transitions, and outstanding performances – led by Giovanna Fletcher’s compelling portrayal of Rachel – create a deeply immersive experience. Whether you’re a fan of the novel, the film, or entirely new to the story, this production is a thrilling and thought-provoking journey that will keep you captivated until its shocking conclusion. You don’t want to miss the chance to see this dark, haunting mystery brought to life on stage!
The Girl on the Train is steaming ahead at The Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 25th January 2025, before chugging along on its tour around the UK. Don’t miss your chance to hop on board – grab your tickets by clicking here.
Have you seen the stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train yet?
If so, let us know what you thought of it in the comment below.
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I was kindly given 2 tickets to The Girl on the Train in exchange for an honest review
This looks fabulous! I love a trip to the theatre. Now my children are older, I am always now on the look out for shows to add top my theatre list! xxx