I was really looking forward to seeing this show, even though I have not read the book or seen the film I have heard so much about it and knew it was a gripping thriller. Seeing it on stage did not disappoint and now I think it has inspired me to watch the film.
This play tells the story about a girl on the train called Rachel who during her daily commute to work becomes fixated on a couple she sees from her train window. To Rachel the couple seem to have the perfect life, until the woman disappears and Rachel is caught up in the thrilling situation of finding out what happened to her.
The play moves between different locations including a moving train. I thought that the sound effects were excellent for the train scenes. The passengers on board, lighting effects of the train windows on the curtain all made me think I was actually on board a moving train. The only thing I would have possibly have changed here were the seats and had plastic ones instead of wooden chairs. I did also think that on the floor in front of the stage the train set could have been permanently set up, but I was advised that this was not possible due to access issues.
With the stage being split into two it allowed two different places of residence. Using the front of the stage then with minimal furniture created Rachel’s bedsit and the police and therapists’ office.
Onto the acting, the main character Rachel Watson played by Francesca Rees spends the whole show intoxicated, confused and bewildered. To play a character who is supposedly drinking throughout out the show without staggering about or slurring her words is extremely difficult. However, Francesca Rees truly convinced me that she had alcohol in her water bottle. She played this part exceptionally well.
I thought David Weller who played Ross Savekar had the exact tone of voice for the therapist with his calm and soothing tones.Tom Watson played by Rod Bissett who is Rachel’s ex-husband played the character with meaning control and brought this beautifully to the surface when needed.
The climax scene at the end on the train tracks was beautifully crafted drawing the audience in and the three actors in the scene held the emotions and tension at its peak.
Overall, this was an exceptional piece of theatre from Grange Players. All that is left for me to say is ‘Mind the Gap’ as this production train is running full steam ahead.
Review by – Emma T
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