The Girl On The Train - Altrincham Garrick

The Girl On The Train - photo by Martin Ogden

AFTER the Garrick pantomime comes an evening of theatre exclusively for the grown ups, courtesy of Paula Hawkins’ The Girl On The Train.

Never having seen the film starring Emily Blunt, I was able to approach the stage version free from the temptation to compare the two.

It’s the intriguing tale of Rachel, a recovering alcoholic who becomes obsessed with the lives of two couples, believing them to both live in a world of suburban bliss.

The plot builds beautifully as a story unfolds and Hawkins writing is of a quality that makes you care and secretly crave a happy ending.

Sadly though, happy endings belong in pantomimes and other forms of escapist entertainment.

It’s the female leads who shine under the direction of John Cunningham, with Ruth Moore engaging and empathetic Rachel and Scarlet Newton excelling as Megan. This is a character with a genuinely sad story and Newton tells it with a quiet intensity that genuinely moved this hardened old critic.

That said though, Anthony Morris is in terrific form as Tom. But could Tom have committed murder?

I have no intention of being a party pooper and giving away a plot with no shortage of twists and turns. This is a high quality piece of writing and a cast who immerse themselves in their roles more than do it justice.

This production captured my attention to the extent it’s made me want to read the book upon which the stage version is based.

While the subject matter may well be nothing new, Hawkins’ refusal to tell her tale free from tired old clichés gives The Girl On The Train a refreshing quality that even misery guts couldn’t resist.

Isn’t it great to see younger people at the Garrick? I believe theatre should be enjoyed by everybody. And I believe it passionately.

Until January 20. The box office is on 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Star rating – 3.5 out of 5.