The Girl on the Train
A Wiltshire Creative Production
Photo credit: Pamela Raith Photography
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the press night for The Girl on the Train at the beautiful Theatre Royal in Bath. With a packed audience and an electric atmosphere, the stage was set for a gripping and immersive performance—and it certainly delivered!
Based on Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel, the show tells the story of Rachel Watson, who finds escapism from her own life by observing a seemingly perfect couple from her train window. When the woman she watches disappears, Rachel becomes a witness and a suspect in a mystery full of unexpected revelations. The novel has sold more than 20 million copies and inspired a film starring Emily Blunt.
Remaining true to the original book, the story is told from the perspective of three women. First and foremost is Rachel Watson, an unemployed alcoholic who takes the same train every day, observing the lives of people in the houses along the tracks. Also central to the plot is Megan Hipwell, the woman Rachel watches from the train, who seems to have a perfect life. And of course there is Anna Watson, Rachel’s ex-husband Tom’s new wife, who resents Rachel’s continued presence in their lives.
Based on Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel, the show tells the story of Rachel Watson, who finds escapism from her own life by observing a seemingly perfect couple from her train window. When the woman she watches disappears, Rachel becomes a witness and a suspect in a mystery full of unexpected revelations. The novel has sold more than 20 million copies and inspired a film starring Emily Blunt.
Remaining true to the original book, the story is told from the perspective of three women. First and foremost is Rachel Watson, an unemployed alcoholic who takes the same train every day, observing the lives of people in the houses along the tracks. Also central to the plot is Megan Hipwell, the woman Rachel watches from the train, who seems to have a perfect life. And of course there is Anna Watson, Rachel’s ex-husband Tom’s new wife, who resents Rachel’s continued presence in their lives.
Photo credit: Pamela Raith Photography
When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.
Giovanna Fletcher shines in the lead role, bringing depth and emotional intensity to Rachel Watson’s turbulent journey. Her performance was both raw and captivating, making us feel every moment of Rachel’s confusion, heartbreak, and determination.
Giovanna Fletcher shines in the lead role, bringing depth and emotional intensity to Rachel Watson’s turbulent journey. Her performance was both raw and captivating, making us feel every moment of Rachel’s confusion, heartbreak, and determination.
Photo credit: Pamela Raith Photography
The rest of the cast, including Natalie Dunne and Zena Carswell, complemented her brilliantly, with each character adding layers to the tense, psychological drama unfolding before us.
Jason Merrells portrayal of Tom Watson added depth to the complex dynamics of The Girl on the Train, and Samuel Collings is perfect for the role of Scott Hipwell, a character central to the story's mystery. Paul McEwan's portrayal of D.I. Gaskill adds intensity to the investigative aspect of the narrative, contributing to the production's suspenseful atmosphere and Daniel Burke is captivating in his portrayal of Kamal Abdic; a therapist who becomes entangled in the story's central mystery.
The staging was cleverly designed, seamlessly transporting the audience between past and present, reality and illusion. The sound and lighting heightened the suspense, keeping us on edge as the mystery unravelled.
A huge thank you to the Theatre Royal Bath for the invitation—it was a fantastic evening at one of my favourite venues. If you love a thriller with twists and turns, The Girl on the Train is not to be missed. Now showing at Bath’s Theatre Royal from Tuesday 18th February until Saturday 22nd February.
Jason Merrells portrayal of Tom Watson added depth to the complex dynamics of The Girl on the Train, and Samuel Collings is perfect for the role of Scott Hipwell, a character central to the story's mystery. Paul McEwan's portrayal of D.I. Gaskill adds intensity to the investigative aspect of the narrative, contributing to the production's suspenseful atmosphere and Daniel Burke is captivating in his portrayal of Kamal Abdic; a therapist who becomes entangled in the story's central mystery.
The staging was cleverly designed, seamlessly transporting the audience between past and present, reality and illusion. The sound and lighting heightened the suspense, keeping us on edge as the mystery unravelled.
A huge thank you to the Theatre Royal Bath for the invitation—it was a fantastic evening at one of my favourite venues. If you love a thriller with twists and turns, The Girl on the Train is not to be missed. Now showing at Bath’s Theatre Royal from Tuesday 18th February until Saturday 22nd February.