The Girl on the Train at Nottingham Theatre Royal Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Helen whetton
The play is based on the international bestseller novel, and film, ‘Girl on a Train’ by Paula Hawkins. The adaptation to a stage play is by, Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Able.
Fantastic evening of mystery and suspense.
I was quite sceptical about the theatre production as the book and film are so intricate. I need not have worried. Giovanna Fletcher is absolutely incredible as Rachel. Rachel is a semi functional alcoholic trying to remember the weekend that Megan went missing, Megan played by Natalie Dunne has the life that Rachel craves for after her divorce. Megan happens to live on the same street as Rachel’s ex-husband Tom played by Jason Merrells and his new wife Anna played by Zena Carswell and baby. Rachel’s commuter train just so happens to stop outside Megan’s back garden when it stops at the signal. Rachel see Megan and Scott played by Samuel Collings life unfold though her commuter train window and she starts to feel that she knows them . After Megan goes missing Rachel gets herself immersed in the investigation. The play focuses on Rachel trying to remember the events of the Saturday night that Megan went missing.
The set is very basic, however, the use of set screens, lighting and sound worked amazingly well, to signify, the train, outside Rachel’s window and Rachel’s flashbacks which makes the story really easy to follow. I found it to be a very immersive, and an emotional experience. Giovanna Fletcher was amazing; she played the part of Rachel very emotively. Her whole performance was a rollercoaster of emotions, we felt so sorry for her character, she was trying so hard to remember and help, if not keeping a few secrets to herself. As the story unfolded you start to get a glimpse into her life with Tom, and how her life had changed.
In fairness the whole cast were amazing, they all had their own little secrets and lies throughout the play. I really liked how they acted out everyone’s flashbacks, it made the plot easy to follow and get to know the characters and where they fit into the plot. It was nice to see who Megan was, and for her character to be present throughout the play, not just a character that you don’t get to see or get to know. As Megan began to talk about her traumatic past I started to really feel for her, such a sad start and end. Also enjoyed the light humour DI Gaskill, played by Paul McEwan gave to the play. Two scenes that really stick out for me were towards the end of the evening where Rachel is trying to remember what had happened on the fateful Saturday night and she is going round in a light cube, the sound and lighting effects were fabulous. The second part was the ending, it was portrayed in an emotionally traumatic way, the theatre was left in silence.
I really enjoyed girl on a train, it was an emotional rollercoaster, it had me guessing all night, a great thriller/mystery. I would recommend everyone going to see it, it makes for a great evening’s entertainment.
I would say though there a lot of flashing lights and adult/sensitive subjects so not a great play for younger children.
Rating: 4/5
Nottingham Royal theatre and concert hall, is a great place to watch a show, all of the staff are friendly, the seats are comfy and it is accessible to everyone. There is blue badge parking at the side of the theatre and multiple carparks within minutes of the theatre.
Girl on a train is playing at Nottingham theatre royal and concert hall from 21-25 January 2025
For more information or to book tickets, visit trch.co.uk
Tickets are priced between £19 – £38
Running times are Act 1: 55 minutes, Interval :20 minutes, Act 2: 1 hour.
Rated PG, under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Box Office: 0115 989 5555 Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND.
@royalnottingham