Theatre Review - The Girl on the Train
- Brendan John
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Hop aboard and hold on tight - The Girl on the Train has pulled into Cardiff’s New Theatre, and it’s a dark, slick and pulse-quickening ride from start to finish.
Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ bestselling psychological thriller, this stage version doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it barrels ahead with such energy and tension, you might forget to breathe. The story, revolving around the enigmatic, troubled Rachel Watson and her obsession with the seemingly perfect couple she glimpses from her daily train commute, unfolds like a fever dream of suspicion, memory loss and unspoken truths.
The production design here is nothing short of ingenious. With clever lighting effects and immersive soundscapes, the illusion of a fast-moving train is achieved so convincingly, you’ll swear you felt the carriage rumble beneath your feet.
The performances are just as compelling. The cast deliver dark, emotionally charged turns that give the story real psychological weight.
Rachel is played by Eastenders star Louisa Lytton with a raw vulnerability that keeps us simultaneously rooting for and questioning her. The tension between characters is electric - relationships are strained, secrets are layered and the truth always feels just out of reach. As the plot twists and the pace quickens, the show holds its audience in a vice grip of suspense.
This is no passive watch. It’s edge-of-your-seat theatre - tense, taut and psychologically rich, with just enough shadow and ambiguity to keep your mind racing long after curtain call.
A gripping, gorgeously staged thriller that doesn’t let up. The Girl on the Train is a must for fans of crime drama, psychological suspense, and theatre that isn’t afraid to play with your perception. Hop on - you won’t regret the ride.
