The Girl on a Train

The Girl on the Train
Based on the novel by Paula Hawkins
Presented by Southport Dramatic Club
February 20th, 2026

Directed by Cath Dunne

Adapted from the novel by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Able Girl on the train was first performed By West Yorkshire Playhouse staring Jill Halfpenny as Rachel. 

Rachel Watson played by Stacey Naginton ... divorced, drinking and deeply unhappy Rachel’s one point of stability is her daily train ride past her former marital home, now occupied by her ex-husband, new wife and baby daughter. Two doors from her previous home Rachel observed what she believes to be a couple with the perfect life. Using the observed lives of strangers to escape the reality of her own alcoholic ruined existence. She fantasies about their relationship and dreams of what life could have been. 

On one journey Rachel observed something strange and shortly and shortly after Megan Hipwell Becky Weymouth is reported missing. Somewhere enmeshed in her alcoholic fog Rachel is aware that she might hold the key to events and takes it on herself to investigate the extraordinary happenings, transporting herself into the dark heart of the mystery. 

Director Cath Dunne clearly recognised the authors vision, bringing the script to life with imagination and sensitivity. 
The success or failure largely depends on the ability of the actor playing Rachel...

Stacy Naginton to recreate Rachel exactly as the Author intended.  In this production Stacey clearly understands the depths of the characters mindset, delving beneath the text with intense insight. A standout performance.
How far an audience is drawn into this dark and moody play does depend on the main protagonist Rachel, but the reaction and credibility of all the other characters determine how much the audience invests. Fortunately, every character in this production brought energy, conviction and belief. 

‘Tom Watson’ played by Phil Povey ... The perfect smile for such deception. An excellent portrayal of the hard-working, easy-going Family man. 

‘Anna Watson’ played by Alice McKillop... A difficult part but totally convincing as the wife blinded by her love for Tom. Only living to protect her illusion of the perfect family. 

‘Scott Hipwell’ played by George Garford ... a perfect portrayal of a man on the edge, prone to fits of aggression with little provocation. 

‘Megan Hipwell’ played by Becky Weymouth ... a skilled subtle performance Becky exudes feminine warmth. The flashbacks almost ethereal. A balanced compelling performance

‘Karl Abbott’ played by Chris Smalley... shows a genuine desire to help Megan overcome her past traumas whilst professionally balancing her increasingly romantic feelings. The character created in a neutral nuanced way. The audience left wondering what was behind the professional facade. 

‘Detective Inspector Gaskill’ sympathetically played by Tony O’Keeffe. Perfectly cast as the & ‘Seen it all, just another day at the office Detective’. The easy manor of conversation with Rachel; you suspect liable to change if she gives a flawed answer. 

THE ENSEMBLE included Dave Cox, Wendy Cox, Fi Billington (A very convincing Police Lady) Tom Ashcroft and Becky Collingham... all brought realism and depth to this first-class production. 

Staging/Technical Team.... included: Stage Manager: Pete Beswick; Prompt:  Emma Wells Hall; Costumes: Cast supported by Lisa Carlin; 
Lighting Design:  Alex McKillop & Neil Longridge Lighting Operator: Alex McKillop ; Sound: Chris Ratcliffe;  Video effects:  Abbie Goatee & Digi Fx;
Set Design:  Cath Dunne and Pete Beswick ; Scenic Artist: Bob Jessamine 
Properties: Helene Griffiths, Paul James Green, Cath Dunne, Dave Cox & Fi Billington 

Solid staging and production with atmospheric lighting and projection which effectively created the perfect moody claustrophobic experience ... well done. 

Thank you for inviting me... a lovely night of real Theatre. 

David Davies 
Assistant Area Rep
NODA North West 
District 6

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.