top of page

The Girl on the Train UK Tour review 2025 | Glasgow - A book to stage adaptation done right

Writer's picture: Lisa in the theatreLisa in the theatre

Updated: 2 days ago



Written by Paula Hawkins, Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, Directed by Loveday Ingram

The Theatre Royal, Glasgow | 28 January 2025



The Girl on the Train UK Tour cast 2025. Photo credit: Pamela Raith photography


The Girl on the Train Glasgow | 2025 UK Tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Adapted from the best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the Train is a twisty thriller that really works on the stage. The book was a phenomenon; it sold over 20 million copies and inspired a film starring Emily Blunt. I'm normally someone who thinks that successful books are always better left alone; sometimes they simply don't translate to the stage, or a stage adaptation doesn't add anything of note. But this production of The Girl on the Train not only succeeds in telling a rich, complex story completely, but it adds a theatrical flair and brings visual intrigue and intensity that you can only get from a live performance.


In The Girl on the Train, Rachel Watson (Giovanna Fletcher) watches a loving couple from her commuter train window every day. The couple seem happy, and Rachel dreams of living a life like theirs.


Until the woman suddenly disappears.


Rachel finds herself a witness, unwittingly pulled into the midst of the mystery and into the lives of the people she has been spying on from afar.



Giovanna Fletcher in the Girl on the Train UK Tour 2025. Photo credit: Pamela Raith photography


Loveday Ingram's sleek and stylish production centres around Rachel and her turbulent life. We learn more about the mystery of the missing woman and more about Rachel herself as the holes in her patchy memory are gradually filled. From her dingy accomodation to her daily commute, the settings for Rachel's everyday life quickly materialise in front of us thanks to the clever use of simple props and inspired staging.


Adam Wiltshire's minimalist set is backed by video screens and a constant downpour of atmospheric rain. The stage is always dark and moody, but the cast are always perfectly lit. It's all very well designed and perfectly balanced.


I did wonder how the train journeys would be adequately represented on stage, but the ingenious use of lighting on the stage floor leaves no doubt as to when Rachel is meant to be on a moving train. Jack Knowles lighting is exquisite. Movement, interest and excitement is achieved here via the most modern and innovative use of floor design I've seen since The Life of Pi.


I do think you need to sit upstairs to fully benefit from this stage design; I'm not entirely sure that the full brilliance of the train tracks and other floor-based accent lighting could be seen from certain seats in the stalls. And surely with that, much of the impact would be lost. But I'm interested to hear from anyone who sat in the stalls and can tell me otherwise.



The Girl on the Train UK Tour cast 2025. Photo credit: Pamela Raith photography


I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here winner Giovanna Fletcher leads the cast as Rachel Watson in Glasgow. It has to be said, 'Rachel;' is not a glamorous role, and Giovanna does a fantastic job of making Rachel and her struggles feel authentic.


The Girl on the Train is a psychological thriller, and there are many scenes that are difficult to watch. But the whole cast do a wonderful job playing out the traumatic episodes. Samuel Collings and Jason Merrells in particular bring the chills. But the overall impression from this play and from the entire company is one of assured quality.


It was a little difficult to hear all of the dialogue, particularly in Act 1. The use of individual mics would definitely help in larger theatre spaces.


The Girl on the Train UK Tour cast 2025. Photo credit: Pamela Raith photography


The book is edited well to fit in to the shorter running time required of a stage show. It doesn't lose any of its suspense or mystery, each of the characters are well established, and the conclusion is powerful and cleverly staged.


Ultimately The Girl on the Train does something that isn't easy: It takes a much-loved novel and adapts it for the stage in a way that not only stays true to the source material but provides a night of top-quality theatrical drama. This play is a superb adaptation of The Girl on the Train and it's bound to be a huge success on tour across UK theatres in 2025.


 


28 Jan – 1 Feb 2025

Theatre Royal, Glasgow


24 – 28 June 2025

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen



Giovanna Fletcher in the Girl on the train UK Tour


🌟 Also playing in Glasgow this week:


Hairspray starring Joanne Clifton | 27 January - 1 February 2025 | The King's Theatre, Glasgow



Hairspray UK tour 2025




Coming soon to Glasgow King's and Theatre Royal:


Comments


Lisa in the Theatre website

© 2023 Lisa in the Theatre. All rights reserved.

Connect with me on Instagram and Twitter / X:
  • alt.text.label.Instagram
  • X
bottom of page