The Girl on the Train

Author: Jake Powell

Information

Date
24th May 2024
Society
Phoenix Theatre Company CIC
Venue
Daneside Theatre
Type of Production
Play
Director
Clare Watson
Written By
Rachel Wagstaff & Duncan Abel

Phoenix Theatre Company were back on the Daneside stage with their production of ‘The Girl on the Train’, based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins. As a new release to the amateur circuit, it was exciting to see how Phoenix would respond to the play and bring it to life. Making her directorial debut was Clare Watson. Clare certainly had a clear vision for this production. The stage was split into thirds, with a raised platform in the middle third with train seats on. The middle section was mainly used for the flashback scenes and the train journeys that take place during the play. The other parts of the stage were used to create different locations from Rachel’s house to the police station to the Hipwell house and the Watson house. The scene changes worked well to dress each section appropriately, and were done relatively quickly and quietly. The use of having an ensemble worked well, adding depth to the scenes, which is sometimes missed. It was an inspired choice to use projections during the production. The projections created and used were very good. They were well thought out and helped move the story along. They allowed the audience to enter the mind of Rachel and see her thoughts. The random sound and strobe that was used as a way to show Rachel’s memories coming back was a clever concept. Costumes were modern dress and were appropriate for all characters.

Technical elements were well thought of throughout the production. The sound effects were good and cued well throughout. Lighting was good as well. There were a few moments that there was a delay in lighting performers. This seemed to happen during the scenes in the Hopwell house when Dan, as Scott, would come downstage.

Jen Brassington took on the mighty role of Rachel Watson. This was a strong performance from Jen, who was never off stage. She was always engaged with the story and worked well with the other actors. Jen’s projection and diction were exemplary, especially in her drunk scenes. Every word could be heard. Well done on taking on this challenging role and doing very well with it.

Laura Jackson did well as Anna Watson. Her projection was very good and she worked well with Peter. There was a good sense of animosity created towards Jen’s character.

Hannah Brayford impressed as Megan Hipwell. Her scene in Act Two, when describing the death of her child was done sensitively and emotionally performed by Megan. This was a strong performance.

Peter Clark created an imposing figure as Tom Watson. He was suitably manipulative and controlling. He had a commanding voice that he used well. Peter created believable relationships with both Laura and Jen.

Dan Hobson played Scott Hipwell. Dan was paired well with Hannah as the young couple, creating a believable relationship. Dan’s performance was good and you felt sorry for his character. The assault scene was staged well and was believable.

David Burke was well cast as Karl Allen. With a calming voice, David embodied the role of the therapist. Although quite a gentle voice, David’s projection was very good throughout.

Tony Lees provided good support as D.I. Gaskill. There was some good humour in Tony’s performance, which provided some light relief in this psychological thriller. This was a good interpretation from Tony, displaying an authoritative figure.

The ensemble cast of Paul Thomas, Jo Howle and Naomi Smith did well to help move the story along, whether it was as commuters on the train or police workers. They all remained in character, never once distracting the audience from the story.

Overall, this was a good production. The staging was inventive, the direction was good, and there were some very pleasing performances.

A big thank you to everyone at Phoenix Theatre Company for their kind invite and their hospitality.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

Other recent show reports in the North West region

Funders & Partners