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Hull New Theatre 27th and 29th March 2025

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

4****

With music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and words by Emanuel Schikaneder (English version by Jeremy Sams) Opera North performed The Magic Flute to a very appreciative audience at Hull New Theatre last night. This is one of the Opera Norths performances in Hull the other being The Flying Dutchman on 28th March.

This was a superbly performed Opera, from the sets and costumes (designed by Colin Richmond) the lighting and the video (designed by Chris Davey and Douglas O’Connell respectively) which set the scene beautifully, to the fabulous cast who told the story faultlessly. The orchestra, conducted by Emilia Hoving, brought the production to life.

The Magic Flute is a fairy tale that they described in the programme as a “Singspiel (a sung play)” which includes singing and spoken dialogue. It tells the story of Tamino (Trystan Llŷr Griffiths) who is lost in a foreign land and is soon attacked by an enormous monster. He is rescued by three ladies (Charlie Drummond, Katie Sharpe, Hazel Croft). They kill the monster and show Tamino a picture of Pamina (Soraya Mafi) who is the beautiful daughter of the Queen of the Night (Nazan Fikret) and he falls in love with her and sets off on a quest to find his one true love helped, rather be reluctantly by bird catcher Papageno (Emyr Wyn Jones). What then follows is a story of love and betrayal and we find out if Tamino does succeed in his quest.

This is an excellent cast, stand out performances for me were Emyr Wyn Jones (Papageno) who was funny and his voice was stunning. Trystan Llŷr Griffiths (Tamino) and Soraya Mafi (Pamina) who were wonderful as the star-crossed lovers and Nazan Fikret (The Queen of the Night) who played the part brilliantly.

This is an excellent Opera to watch whether it is your first or you are an opera lover of many years.

Opera North never fail to impress and long may they continue to visit Hull and bring their fantastic and varied programme of Operas.

REVEREND RICHARD COLES ANNOUNCES LIVE TOUR FOR 2025 WITH BORDERLINE NATIONAL TRINKET

Impatient Productions in association with NMP Live are thrilled to announce that writer, broadcaster, podcaster, author and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! runner up in 2024, Reverend Richard Coles will be embarking on a UK tour with live show Borderline National Trinket. Kicking off in Norwich on 25th May, tickets are on sale now and are available from https://richardcoles.seetickets.com/tour/richard-coles.

From his Strictly Come Dancing days to I’m A Celebrity… Reverend Richard Coles is the man with a heart of gold.   This show will allow audiences to delve into the extraordinary life of the nation’s favourite vicar. With his trademark wit and warmth, Reverend Richard Coles will share stories from his diverse career—charting his journey from 80s pop stardom with The Communards to life in the pulpit, broadcasting, and beyond. Expect candid reflections, hilarious anecdotes, and a glimpse behind the scenes of his most memorable moments in the spotlight.

Reverend Richard Coles is the only vicar to have had a UK number-one hit single and to have appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing and since the first leg of this tour, he’s charmed his way to the final of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… He is also a much-loved broadcaster, and a Sunday Times bestselling author whose new novel, A Death On Location, comes out this summer. Is this national trinket on the verge of becoming a national treasure?

Many would say so, but the man himself would probably disagree. Still, whether you see him as treasure or trinket, this is a wonderful opportunity for an intimate evening with one of the UK’s most distinctive voices. Anecdotes from a life well lived, gossip, wit, and wisdom… and a Q&A that can, and likely will, go absolutely anywhere. From the jungle to the unexpected, no topic is off-limits. After phenomenal demand last year, the Reverend returns with a limited run of new dates for his first ever full national tour.

Reverend Richard Coles said today: “I am thrilled to be heading back out on tour again, I hope to be able to bring the confused ramblings of an aging starlet to audiences across the UK, and swapping creepy crawlies for candid conversation.”

Reverend Richard Coles is a former pop star turned Church of England vicar, broadcaster, and best-selling author. As one half of 1980s band The Communards, he achieved three UK Top 10 hits, including the best-selling single of 1986, Don’t Leave Me This Way, making him the only vicar to have had a UK number-one record. After leaving the music industry, he earned a theology degree and was ordained in 2005, serving as a parish priest until his retirement in 2022. From 2011 to 2022, he co-hosted BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live, and remains a regular voice on BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought. A familiar face on television, Richard has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Have I Got News For You, and QI, and has presented documentaries including Good Grief? on Channel 4. He is a Fellow of King’s College London, Chancellor of the University of Northampton, and an Honorary Chaplain to the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers. As a prolific author, his memoir Fathomless Riches and the Sunday Times best-sellers The Madness of Grief and Murder Before Evensong have captivated readers.

Website: https://www.richardcoles.com/ / Facebook: @ReverendRichardColes / X: @RevRichardColes

LISTINGS INFORMATION

MAY 2025

26.05.25                                NORWICH                                            THEATRE ROYAL

31.05.25                                GUILDFORD                                         G LIVE

JUNE 2025

01.06.25                                RICHMOND                                          RICHMOND THEATRE

07.06.25                                CHESTER                                               STORYHOUSE

13.06.25                                ST ALBANS                                            THE ALBAN ARENA

24.06.25                                MANCHESTER                                      OPERA HOUSE

29.06.25                                LEEDS                                                     GRAND THEATRE

JULY 2025

01.07.25                                CARDIFF                                                NEW THEATRE

02.07.25                                BIRMINGHAM                                      THE ALEXANDRA

06.07.25                                GLASGOW                                           KINGS THEATRE

07.07.25                                EDINBURGH                                         ASSEMBLY ROOMS

08.07.25                                YORK                                                     OPERA HOUSE

11.07.25                                BOURNEMOUTH                                  THE PAVILION

14.07.25                                OXFORD                                               NEW THEATRE

17.07.25                                TUNBRIDGE WELLS                              ASSEMBLY HALL

TuckShop and Walport Productions presents:

THE DIANA MIXTAPE

STARRING DRAG ROYALTY COURTNEY ACT, BABY, DIVINA DE CAMPO, ROSÉ AND KITTY SCOTT-CLAUS

WORLD PREMIERE IN LONDON AT HERE @ OUTERNET

28 JULY – 10 AUGUST 2025

FOLLOWED BY A LIMITED RUN AT LOWRY, SALFORD 19 – 24 AUGUST 2025

The Diana Mixtape Images available to download here!

Part musical, part concert, part biopic – THE DIANA MIXTAPE is a brand-new production by TuckShop’s Christopher D. Clegg, that will have its world premiere in London at Here @Outernet this summer, from 28 July – 10 August 2025, with a press performance on 31 July 8pm. Access performances will be announced soon.

You are cordially invited to join our Di, the People’s Princess, for the gig of a lifetime…quite literally! Telling the story of a humble commoner (who just happened to be a Lady) in a concert like nothing you have experienced before with an all-star cast, iconic fashion throwbacks and fierce choreography.

Featuring music originally performed by Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Jade, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Kylie Minogue and many more, this hilarious yet heartwarming musical gig is a guaranteed rollicking good time.

Brought to you by the creator and producer of DEATH DROP, COOL RIDER and GALS ALOUD, this high-octane royal romp is a love letter to Diana and her legacy as one of the most celebrated and adored figures in history.

THE DIANA MIXTAPE will star drag royalty Courtney Act, Baby, Divina De Campo, Rosé and Kitty Scott-Claus as Diana (yes, they’re all playing Diana) with further casting of Charles, Camilla, The Queen and more to be announced. 

Creator and director Christopher D. Clegg said: “The Diana Mixtape is like nothing you’ve ever seen before, and I’m so excited to launching this world premiere show in London and Salford. Part musical, part concert, part biopic; it’s the lovechild of SIX, & Juliet, The Crown, and Drag Race. With a cast of 13 actors, dancers and drag queens, and an incredible score of pop bangers from the biggest female artists of the 21st century, this retelling the iconic story of the People’s Princess is as loving and heartfelt as it is fierce and fabulous. Just you wait till’ you meet Ar’ Di!”

Alongside creator, writer and director Christopher D. Clegg, this one-of-a-kind show is brought to life by musical direction and additional arrangements by Matthew Harvey, alongside choreographer Taz Hoesli, costume designer River Smith, lighting designer Toby P. Darvill, dramaturg Geri Allen with video design by Adam Nightingale and, you guessed it, Christopher D. Clegg.

Divina De Campo, who is no stranger to theatre and has starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Chicago and The SpongeBob Musical said, “Finally! I’m finally getting to work with the team at Tuckshop on this exciting new project and sharing the stage with so many other wonderful performers! I’m overjoyed to be onboard with what promises to be a hilarious joyful show.”

Kitty Scott-Claus, who most recently was runner up on Drag Race Global All Stars, said, “Playing the people’s princess- sounds camp I’m in. Beyond thrilled to be back with Tuckshop working on this incredible show- I’m so excited for the craziness.”

Rosé, finalist in US Drag Race season 13, said, “I am ecstatic to be returning home to the UK to create art utilizing my three favourite things: music, drag, and Princess Diana. What a thrill to be portraying actual royalty amongst drag royalty. I shaved my bloody moustache for this, so consider it MAJOR!”

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 29TH MARCH 2025

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4****

‘Tambo and Bones’, written by American poet and playwright Dave Harris, delves into themes of race, identity, and societal expectations through the experiences of two characters, Tambo and Bones. Set within the context of a stereotypical minstrel show, the play employs humour, satire, and dark elements to critique the legacy of blackface.

The production unfolds in three stylistically totally different acts, each delving into various eras and highlighting how individuals of colour often feel pressured to conform to societal stereotypes in order to be acknowledged or accepted. Tambo and Bones has garnered acclaim for its thought-provoking themes, powerful performances, and ability to compel the audience to confront uncomfortable truths regarding racism, performance, and identity.

The production has received mixed, yet predominantly positive reviews, particularly for its skilful fusion of absurdist comedy with significant social commentary. Critics have praised its distinctive style, which combines moments of physical comedy and lively performances with deeply serious and emotive segments. The principal characters, Tambo, portrayed by Clifford Samuel and Bones played by Daniel Ward, embody both comedic foils and tragic figures within the narrative. They skilfully navigate and ultimately subvert the expected roles imposed upon them, creating a thought-provoking and engaging theatrical experience.

At the conclusion of the show, there is no curtain call or bows. Following a brief moment of silence, an announcement is made, inviting the audience to remain in their seats for up to 15 minutes to reflect on the themes explored during the performance. Additionally, a sensory space is provided before, during, and after the show, with qualified therapists available to offer support to anyone in need. On Thursday, the Playhouse also organised a special event specifically designed for individuals who have experienced racism firsthand.

Overall, “Tambo & Bones” emerges as a thought-provoking production that prompts audiences to face uncomfortable truths regarding race and representation, while offering a distinctive theatrical experience.

Waterloo East Theatre – until 4th May 2025

Reviewed by Ben Jolly

4****

Returning for a third season at Waterloo East Theatre, F**king Men by playwright and lyricist Joe DiPietro shows no signs of slowing down. Based upon the controversial and much ahead of its time play, La Ronde written by Arthur Schnitzle at the turn of the twentieth century, this adaption brings us sharply into the present day with a group of ten seemingly unrelated men as they navigate their lives, loves and sexual escapades in today’s world.

With a continuous revolving door (both literally and figuratively), the play gives us a glimpse into the relationships the characters form with each other in mostly two-hander scenes starting with their sexual encounters and building a connection from there but still cleverly weaves their stories together. This warrants the six (or in this case, ten) degrees of separation theory to be accurate and ties the play together, thus keeping the audience invested throughout. The talented cast double or triple up on characters which naturally results in some scenes working better than others with their characterisations and chemistry, but with shrewd direction by Steven Kunis, they even out as best they can. Billed as a “dramatic comedy”, it’s clear from the beginning that this play knows what it’s about; it doesn’t pander to its audience or judge the behaviour of its characters and manages to seamlessly entertain and provoke thought while including some moments of genuine warmth.

Producing this piece at Waterloo East Theatre, tucked away and under the arches, the mise en scène takes care of itself and one can’t help but feel like they’re stepping into any gay bar in Soho when entering the venue; this feeling is enhanced further with an edgy soundtrack by Julian Starr, resourceful set design by Cara Evans and lighting design by Alex Lewer.

It might be the abs on the poster or “naughty” title that initially sparks your interest in seeing this play, but with its witty dialogue, heartfelt beats and charming cast, you’ll certainly get more for your buck than you might expect.

The Grand Theatre Leeds – until Saturday 29 March 2025

Reviewed by Gretel Price

5*****

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is a classic musical for a reason. Originally composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics written by Tom Rice, its set designs, show-stopping songs and colourful costumes make it feel like more than just a musical. General management Micheal Harrison Entertainment successfully recreated the true magic of this iconic show. After over fifty years from when it was first performed, it still never fails to fascinate the audience.

As a musical, ‘Joseph’ is very much ensemble orientated, featuring both children and adults bringing their best abilities to the stage. The children were truly a gifted group of performers, emitting energy and joy into every scene, and even adopting some adult roles. They are led by the wonderful Christina Bianco (The Narrator) and the fantastic Adam Filipe (Joseph) who couldn’t have been more ideal for their characters. Bianco was an outstanding narrator, bringing humour and light to the entire show and an incredible voice which guided the musical start to finish. Her ability to commend the audience’s laughter at any moment was unparalleled and the chemistry on stage between her and the other cast members was genuinely special to watch. Like Bianco, Filipe also had both the charm and powerful vocals to make a memorable Joseph of his own, leaving the audience in awe of his talents. Another phenomenal performance was Joe McElderry (X-Factor winner) as Pharoh in Act 2 who further enhanced the comedic elements of the show and brought both life and passion into his role.

Set and Costume designer Morgan Large and lighting designer Ben Cracknell went above and beyond ordinary musical sets and completely transformed the stage into a burst of colour, capturing stunning Egyptian desert settings. The visuals were utterly spectacular – the glowing sunset radiated vibrancy, to reflect each song. The Technicolour Dreamcoat itself was extraordinary and moved gracefully with Joseph from each twirl. Large and Cracknell perfectly executed the song ‘Joseph’s Coat’ with the lighting framing the stage to match each colour named. Rainbow was successfully incorporated into most of the costumes for the ensemble – even in dull moments such as ‘Those Canaan Days’. However, a particular highlight for me was the illuminous prison scene where Cracknell was able to reflect shards of light across the floor from the prison bars, contrasted with a dark glow of blue. This added such a beautiful depiction of Joesph’s loneliness which was then of course immediately contrasted with the next scene.

Throughout the entire show all songs were sung pitch-perfect to full volume, allowing the audience to feel involved with the cast. This was especially magical at the end in the ‘Joseph Megamix’ where the audience were encouraged to stand up and dance with those on stage from their seats and sing along with a mashup of all songs. As a sung-through musical it was almost unbelievable to watch the cast enjoy their roles and not tire of the physical stamina needed to dance and sing with maximum energy continuously. The true standout for me which demonstrated this was the Pharoh’s ‘Song of the King’ which mesmerised the audience as we watched the spectacular golden Egyptian set transform across the globe into a lively ‘Vegas’ inspired scene. The energy was infectious, and it was impossible not to laugh or smile while watching. I do believe this was an absolutely unmissable show and would recommend it for all people of all ages.

Awkward Productions & King’s Head Theatre Productions Presents

THE FIT PRINCE (WHO GETS SWITCHED ON THE SQUARE IN THE FROSTY CASTLE THE NIGHT BEFORE (INSERT PUBLIC HOLIDAY HERE))

Awkward Productions, the team behind Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and Gwyneth Goes Skiing (both Edinburgh sell-out hits), returns to the Edinburgh Fringe and King’s Head Theatre London with a brand-new, gloriously unhinged romcom spectacular.

https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/fit-prince-who-gets-switched-square-frosty-castle-night-insert-public-holiday-here

https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/33/by-linus-karp-joseph-martin/the-fit-prince-who-gets-switched-on-in-the-square-in-the-frosty-castle-the-night-before-insert-public-holiday-here

Praise for Awkward Productions:

“An endless amount of non-stop laughter” ★★★★★★ Jack The Lad

“Absurd, camp, chaotic, and hilarious” ★★★★★ Attitude

“”Perfectly imagined and brought to life on stage with vision and heaps of silliness” ★★★★★ The National

“A masterclass of parody” ★★★★★ The Skinny

“As poised and polished as it is anarchic and outrageous.” ★★★★★ London Theatre1

“A whole new level of genius” ★★★★★ All That Dazzles

“The most unhinged piece of theatre in existence” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

“Gleeful absurdist comedy at its finest” ★★★★★ Culture Fix

“Gloriously ridiculous” ★★★★ The Stage

“Preeningly perfect… very funny” ★★★★ The Scotsman

“Repellent trash” Daily Mail

Panic! In Swedonia. The King is dead and the prince in line to the throne is unmarried – if he doesn’t find someone soon he must forfeit the crown!  

In New York City, baker Aaron Butcher is butchering his career as a family baker. His puppet colleague, the optimistic Jenny Puppetson, submits his name for a mysterious royal commission in the faraway land of Swedonia: he’s been selected to bake the wedding cake for the Prince himself. Extremely reluctantly, and mostly to spite his ex, Aaron accepts. Maybe a commission in the non-location-specific country of Swedonia will fix his problems…

Audiences are invited to Swedonia – a suspiciously familiar, completely fictional country (possibly inspired by writer-performer Linus Karp’s native Sweden…), and the perfect setting for the ultimate queer parody of all those Netflix and Hallmark movies you love to cringe at; this is the chaotic queer cousin to all of them.

Following the sold-out, award-winning shows ‘Gwyneth Goes Skiing’ and ‘Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story’, Awkward Productions are delighted to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe from 30th Jul – 25th Aug 25 and then to King’s Head Theatre, London from 2^nd Dec 25 to 3^rd Jan 26 with a brand-new show.  

Co-produced with King’s Head Theatre Productions, ‘THE FIT PRINCE (WHO GETS SWITCHED ON THE SQUARE IN THE FROSTY CASTLE THE NIGHT BEFORE (INSERT PUBLIC HOLIDAY HERE))’ Flicks through the Net of traditional holiday movies, bringing all their Hallmarks together in the signature awkwardprods way – queer, interactive, comedic and heartfelt.

Written by and starring Linus Karp and Joseph Martin with original music by Leland (Golden Globe-nominated songwriter and producer for Troye Sivan, Kylie Minogue, RuPaul’s Drag Race and more) and multiple surprise cameos, this highly anticipated show is a joyous subversion of heteronormative romcoms and a love letter to Karp’s native Sweden.

Linus and Joseph are a real-life couple of 10 years (getting married just after Fringe 25!) – this is the first time they’ll be playing romantic leads opposite one another on stage. Audiences are invited to join them for a show embracing queer joy, wild silliness and camp theatrical brilliance from start to finish.

ALEXANDRA BURKE

TO STAR AS MORTICIA ADDAMS IN

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

THE MUSICAL COMEDY

UK TOUR

FROM 7 JULY 2025

PRINCIPAL CAST ANNOUNCED

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and John Stalker Productions with co-producers ADAMA Entertainment and Guy James are delighted to announce Alexandra Burke (The X Factor, Sister Act, The Bodyguard, Curfew) as Morticia Addams, Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather, Young Frankenstein, Sister Act) as Grandma, Clive Rowe (The Prince of Egypt, Sister Act, A Christmas Carol) as Uncle Fester and Ricardo Afonso (Jesus Christ Superstar, Thriller Live, We Will Rock You) as Gomez Addams in THE ADDAMS FAMILY The Musical Comedy UK tour which will run at Birmingham Hippodrome from 10 – 12 July 2025, Curve, Leicester from 15 July – 10 August, Lowry, Salford from 12 – 16 August 2025, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury from 19 – 23 August and Blackpool Opera House from 26 – 30 August.

Joining Alexandra, Ricardo, Lesley and Clive will be Lauren Jones (Scissorhandz, Southwark Playhouse Elephant) as Wednesday Addams, Nicholas McLean (Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre) as Pugsley Addams,  Dickon Gough (City of Angles, Garrick Theatre; The Addams Family, original UK cast) as Lurch,  Dale Rapley (The Bridges of Madison County, Menier Chocolate Factory) as Mal,  Jacob Fowler (Title of Show, Southwark Playhouse; Heathers the Musical UK Tour) as Lucas and Kara Lane (Rebecca, Charing Cross Theatre) as Alice.

Further cast to be announced.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY has a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (writers of the multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys), with music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominated Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She’s fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the dark will Gomez manage to keep his daughter’s secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner with hilarious consequences?

Join them, plus Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley, Grandma and more for a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship… with a twist!

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, The Musical Comedy will be directed by Matthew White, with choreography by Alistair David, production design by Diego Pitarch, orchestrations by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and casting by Jane Deitch

THE ADDAMS FAMILY is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and John Stalker Productions with co-producers ADAMA Entertainment and Guy James and is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Website: theaddamsfamily.co.uk

X: @AddamsFamilyUK

Instagram: @theaddamsfamilyuk

Facebook: @TheAddamsFamilyUK

TikTok : @TheAddamsFamilyUK

2025 LISTINGS INFORMATION

10 – 12 July                            Birmingham Hippodrome                              0844 338 5000

                                                www.birminghamhippodrome.com               

15 July – 10 August                Leicester Curve                                             0116 242 3595

                                                www.curveonline.co.uk                                   

12 – 16 August                       Salford Lowry                                                0161 876 2000                                                                        www.thelowry.com                                          

19 – 23 August                        Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                        01227 787787                                                                       

www.marlowetheatre.com                             

26 – 30 August `                     Blackpool Opera House                                0844 770 0593

                                                www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk  

Theatre Royal, York – until 5^th April 2025

Reviewed by Katie Brewerton 

5*****

Based on the 1959 Alfred Hitchcock film North by Northwest begs the question: “It would be strange, would it not, if, in a city of seven million people, one man were never mistaken for another…” From director Emma Rice and Wise Children the story follows Roger Thornhill (Ewan Wardrop) who finds himself in hot water when he is mistaken for George Caplan, a man who is wanted by criminal Vandamm  (Karl Queensborough) and his cronies Anna (Mirabelle Gremaud) and Valerian (Simon Oskarsson). He finds himself determined to find George Caplan to clear his name and avoid being murdered or arrested. He comes in to contact with Eve Kendall (Patrycja Kujawska) who seems suspiciously eager to help him in any way.

With the Professor (Katy Owen) guiding the audience from the beginning we soon learn there’s more to the story than meets the eye, with the CIA involved willing to go to extreme lengths to protect their Agent Number One.

Owen engages the audience and keeps up a reminder of who’s who and what’s going on, including a recap after the interval in case you’re struggling to keep up! With the clever use of suitcases, with the names of characters and locations written on them to change location. This is a clever addition to avoid having to use elaborate sets and keeps it simple with a cast of just 6, each with their own main character and also filling in the smaller roles. Despite being a fast paced show this all helps to ensure you are able to follow along.

With clever humour throughout and the breaking of the fourth wall to involve the audience this play had much of the audience laughing out loud from the beginning. If you’re looking for a fun night out where nothing is taken too seriously with a bit of a mystery thrown in, this is the play for you!

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 29th March 2025

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

5*****

Based on the best-selling novel written by Paula Hawkins, this production of The Girl on the Train is a brilliant stage adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. Live performance adds a ‘dimension of tension’ to a mystery that pulls you in from the very start.

The play centres around solving the mystery of a missing person (Megan) whose life and experiences slowly unfold through the eyes and perspective of her various encounters and relationships. From the outset, confusion and uncertainty are cemented in the mind of the audience through fantastic choreography and stage setting.

Central to the recount of events is Rachel Watson, played by Giovanna Fletcher. Rachel is a troubled alcoholic who is fixated on her ex-husband’s new life. Seemingly, he has secured a ‘perfect’ life and family in the house he once shared with Rachel. Rachel, meanwhile, is recently jobless, facing eviction and battling alcoholism. All of this contributes to a desperate need to fit in and solve the mystery.

We learn that Rachel has been travelling on the train every day under the pretence of going to work. On her journeys, she has observed life her old neighbourhood from the track. The details of what she has observed are crucial to the investigation that ensues after Megan’s disappearance. However, alcohol dependence cast doubt on the reliability of her memories of the period around Megan’s disappearance.

The storyline and performance are themselves gripping but the brilliance of this production is the tension and mystery delivered by Adam Wiltshire’s stage set that creates a ‘dark’ feel and mysterious video footage that integrate brilliantly. In all honesty, the combined effect is so powerful that I wanted it to carry on through without an interval. However, the tension and mystery pick up where they left off after the interval. The tension builds towards the final scene when you can sense that everyone is poised with bated breath and ultimate stunned silence.

If you love a mystery and can stand the tension, make this show a ‘must see’ on your list of performance