The Girl on the Train based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks film. Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. Our November 2026 production will be directed by Lucy Byford.
Rachel Watson longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the women she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.
Auditions: Thursday 25th June at St Hugh’s Church, Banbury OX16 9HU 7.30-9.30
Full details of auditions can be seen here: https://us14.forward-to-friend.com/forward/preview?u=320f4647ec898e04ff51add75&id=4999dd73d2
Performances: 19th to 21st November. Mill Arts Centre.
Director Lucy Byford shared this about the play:
“This is a beautifully written play with fabulous characters and plot twists. The writing and changing locations lends itself to creative transitions and minimal time off stage. Whilst there are 7 key characters, there is also some multi-roling and ensemble work. I want this play to feel fluid, intense and powerful. There is minimal set but some interesting use of flats and chairs…more will be revealed at the auditions!”
Characters
Rachel Watson: The troubled, alcoholic protagonist who becomes dangerously obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she watches from the train. Her interest though ultimately helps uncover the murderer. Clearly a good and kind person, who used to be much stronger and not an alcoholic. perhaps the most open and honest of all the characters.
Megan Hipwell: The beautiful, unhappy woman who lives near the train tracks. Her mysterious disappearance is the catalyst for the play’s events. Complex and interwoven relationships with all other characters. Intense and potentially triggering monologue. Far more antagonist than first believed.
Tom Watson: Rachel’s ex-husband, who is now living in their former house with his new wife. Very dismissive of Rachel but often looks to be supporting her. A highly manipulative and clever character.
Anna Watson: Tom’s new wife and the mother to his baby. She firmly believes Rachel is harassing their family. It becomes very clear that she used to be much stronger.
Scott Hipwell: Megan’s overbearing husband. Rachel incorrectly assumes Scott and Megan are living a perfect life and nicknames them “Jason and Jess”. Is the main suspect for a good part of the play, having threatened to kill Megan on a voicemail.
Dr. Kamal Abdic: Megan’s psychiatrist, who finds himself entangled in the investigation when Megan disappears .Quick to distance himself but far more beneath the surface.
D.I. Gaskill: The lead Detective Inspector investigating Megan’s disappearance – worn down by the work and cynical. Supportive when it matters and interesting potential for creative interpretation.