Adapted from the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins The Girl on the Train is the latest play on the stage in the main house at Salisbury Playhouse in Wiltshire. Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel are co-writers for this staged adaptation after previously working together on other plays. They certainly have a good working relationship after watching the quality of this production.

Joanne Van Kampen plays the flawed alcoholic Rachel Watson. Her Estranged ex-husband Tom Watson appears to be the victim of his guilt, while he trying “to do” right by his ex-wife. At first, there’s an amount of sympathy for his character due to Rachel’s drunken obsession with him and his wife who has recently given birth. However, as the plot begins to add clarity to Rachel’s addiction and predicament any thoughts towards Tom are diminished.

D.I Gaskill (Jason Merrells) calls in to question Rachel after a drunken night out to question her about harassing her ex and the voicemails left on his phone. Rachel is oblivious to any of this due to her drunkenness. This is where the pair first encounter one another.

After the disappearance of one of Tom’s neighbours and adhoc babysitter, Megan Hipwell (Emer McDaid). Rachel appears to be the only person to hold the answers to what has happened to her. However, with a history of harassing her ex and her alcoholism just how credible is her evidence of what she has witnessed?

Loveday Ingram, director has created a fast-moving production of the best-selling novel. Each of the casting choices by Gabrielle Dawes brings believable characters to life. The dramatic event which takes place in the second act is a breathtaking theatrical experience, one I will not forget for quite a while.

For more information on this production and future plays at the Salisbury Playhouse please use the links below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Ellie Kurttz

Performances run from 19th October to 11th November 2023.

https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/

Cast:

Tiran Aakal (Kamal Abdic),

Samuel Collings (Scott Hipwell),

Jonathan Firth (Tom Watson),

Joanna van Kampen (Rachel Watson),

Emer McDaid (Megan Hipwell),

Jason Merrells (D.I. Gaskill)

Phoebe Pryce (Anna Watson).

Directed by: Loveday Ingram

Designer: Adam Wiltshire

Lighting Designer: Jack Knowles

Sound Designer: Liz Purnell

Video Designer: Dan Light

Fight Director: Paul Benzing

Composer: Paul Englishby

Casting by: Gabrielle Dawes.