The Girl on the Train

The Girl on the Train is a modern thriller that was presented by Murray Music and Drama, cabaret style, at the Pinjarra Civic Centre. Well-acted, and presented in an interesting way, this is a good stage version of the popular novel and film.

Director Jacinda Gordon’s set design begins with an empty stage, with trucks used to create multiple scenes, rooms in several houses and a psychologist’s office. A screen dominated the back wall on which are presented film sequences, literally of the girl on the train, lead actress, Abby Kotura on a moving train.

A sixteen scene show, film sequences play between many of the scenes. While they are striking, well shot, well-emoted and effective in their own right, this also had the disadvantage of lengthening the time between scenes, as the setting needs to be completely struck, the film played and then the new setting set. This problem means that tension built tends to be diminished and this feels more like a conventional drama than a thriller.

Abby Kotara is strong in her first leading role as Rachel Watson, a young woman who may have witnessed a crime, but whose memory is unreliable, due to alcohol use and other issues. Abby anchors the show well in a convincing performance.

Another key character is missing woman, come murder victim Megan Hipwell. Seen only in flashback and recollection, she is given depth by Lori Anders. The final major character is Detective Inspector Gaskell, given professionalism and authority in an impressive performance by Tammy Peckover. This role is gender flipped with permission and the female detective works well.

Rachel’s former husband is played well by Sebastian Berry, with his new wife Anna, nicely portrayed by Charlise Varischetti-Rattigan. Joel Gal was working hard as Megan’s widow Scott, with Aaron Faure ably completing the major cast. Nice to see some cameos from the stage crew too.

The Girl on the Train featured a plethora of sound effects that added to the story - although the volume was somewhat inconsistent.

While we didn’t quite reach the pace and emotion needed for a thriller, this was a well performed production which was a pleasure to watch. 

Kimberley Shaw