STRANGERS ON THE TRAIN | STAGE REVIEW
***
New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 27 Mar
Adapted from Patricia Hoghsmiths pioneering psychological thriller, Strangers on a Train was thrown into the international spotlight when Alfred Hitcock filmed a defining version of the book.
The plot surrounds two drunken strangers on a train who are deeply unhappy with a specific part of their lives; Guy Haines is a successful architect in the midst of a divorce and Charles Anthony Bruno a sadistic psychopath who manipulates Guy into swapping murders with him. As the plot unfolds both go through emotional turmoil that is in direct link to the murders and ends with two men on the edge of darkness.
Jack Ashton plays protagonist Guy Haines, with Charles Bruno the stranger who sets the deadly events in motion being played by Chris Harper. Both put in great lead performances, servicing the dark, looming plot wonderfully. Harper’s performance in particular is definitely the most engaging – he really relishes in an unhinged yet campy performance that the audience is easily drawn into. The supporting cast all put in solid performances, including Hannah Tointon as Haines’ newly wed wife, Helen Anderson as Bruno’s overbearing mother, and John Middleton as the probing noir Detective Gerard.
The play relies heavily on the impressive set designed by David Woodhead’s, which combines projections and sliding segments that throw you from being in a train compartment to being on the streets of New York
All in all this production is full of thrills, gasps and above all a great time. Definitely check it out if you’re looking for a solid thriller.
words Jaydon Martin