REVIEW: The Girl on the Train
**** [4 stars]
‘The Girl on the Train’ from Wiltshire Creative is an immersive journey into an enigmatic, edge-of-your-seat thriller that captivates till the very end. The stagecraft and innovative use of lighting and sound in this production plunges the audience into the tense and twisted drama surrounding the enigmatic disappearance of the seemingly perfect Megan Hipwell.
The narrative revolves around Rachel Watson, played by Joanna Van Kampen, as she becomes embroiled in a gripping journey of dark secrets, fragmented memories, and an unravelling truth. The production ingeniously intertwines physical theatre with a quasi-cinematic quality, leveraging innovative stagecraft to immerse the audience in Rachel's unreliable narrative and fragmented memories. It is really refreshing and exciting to see dynamic and contemporary theatre practices making a more regular home on the Salisbury Playhouse stage.
Joanna Van Kampen - 📸 Ellie Kurttz
The production's first half throws the audience into the thick of it as a missing person’s police investigation gets underway and our lead character appears to be the lead suspect… The plot is incredibly enticing and really gains incredible momentum in Act II as nerves dissipate and the plots unravels.
This intense spectacle of a production really heroes the craftsmanship of Salisbury's stellar in-house theatre production team. Their inventive use of lighting and sound creates palpable tension, guiding the audience through Rachel's journey with a sense of unease and anticipation. Wiltshire Creative’s in-house workshop and technical team have truly outdone themselves, enhancing the gripping nature of the thriller with innovative design practices.
Full Cast - 📸 Ellie Kurttz
For those still clinging on to the spooky season, ‘The Girl on the Train’ promises an enthralling, mysterious ride perfect for these dark, cold November nights. The audience is kept on the edge of their seats, guessing until the very end, and the tense and immersive staging makes for an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Salisbury Playhouse's presentation of this electrifying adaptation showcases the potential for pushing the boundaries of storytelling through innovative stagecraft, proving to be a must-see for theatre enthusiasts, thriller lovers and fans of the original novel and film.
Joanna Van Kampen - 📸 Ellie Kurttz
The Girl on the Train is running at Salisbury Playhouse until November 11.
Relaxed, BSL and Captioned Performance, November 7 at 7:30pm, and Audio Described and Touch Tours on November 9 at 2:15pm and 7:30pm.
Tickets from just £13, head to https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/the-girl-on-the-train