The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford – until 14 September 2019
Reviewed by Aimee Liddington
5*****
Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel from the widely successful novel written by Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the Train tells the story of three women whose lives have become permanently tangled through their relationships with one man. As the characters become involved in the case of a missing person, truth and lies become confused and reality becomes distorted. In today’s dysfunctional world where the mind is our worst enemy, this story highlights how we can only ever really trust ourselves and even then, the mind can play tricks.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the novel and the film adaption, I was intrigued to see how the story would translate onto the stage. Anthony Banks, as Director, exceeded my expectations. The production is dynamic and slick and the sound and lighting tricks allow the audience to be transported seamlessly through the action. A special mention should go to Ben and Max Ringham for sound, Jack Knowles for lighting and Andrzej Goulding for his projection designs. I felt emotionally pulled into the lives of the three women and as the story peaked, I felt physically shaken and breathless.
The protagonist of the story, Rachel Watson, is a lost soul who has turned to alcohol and lost all faith in herself. Samantha Womack portrays this character convincingly as she manoeuvres through life with good intentions clouded by unreliable thoughts and feelings. Lowenna Melrose and Kirsty Oswald, in their portrayal of Anna Watson and Megan Hipwell, highlight how in the modern world women are encouraged to see each other as competition rather than as allies. Scott Hipwell, played by Oliver Farnworth, depicts the perfect wounded and conflicted man who forgets his own strength when faced with the hurtful actions of the women in his life. Finally, Adam Jackson-Smith’s slimy portrayal of the manipulative Tom Watson is so believable, it made me feel physically sick to my stomach.
The Girl on the Train is a captivating thriller that seems so real it chills you to the bones. The light-hearted and relatable references to the everyday make the more twisted aspects of the story seem even more terrifying. For a fully immersive theatre experience, I would whole-heartedly recommend this production.