Based on the novel by American author, Patricia Highsmith, the stage production of Strangers on a Train was written by Craig Warner. The film version, directed by Alfred Hitchcock was also based on the same book. The action takes place in America in the 1950s, and as with the other plays in the Classic Thriller Season, costumes, sets and props are authentic but the accents of the cast not always entirely convincing. The play opens with two strangers, who are the main characters. They chat with each other following an apparently random meeting on a train. Both have people in their lives that they would rather be without and so a deal is agreed – or is it? | "There is a sense of frustration... you have to resist the urge to shout out as things seem so unfair!" | | David McCartney |
A murder takes place but what is different about this play is that the audience is certain who has committed the crime. There is no mystery about this. However, tension and suspense is created by the interaction between the two main characters, as they shout and argue. The audience are willing for the storyline to go in a certain direction but feel powerless as events take their course. Jeremy Lloyd Thomas as Charles Bruno, the originator of the bizarre plan, is very convincing as an obsessive and drunken manipulator. His character is developed through the play as his behaviour becomes less and less predictable. Guy Haines, who is the other stranger, is played by Andrew Dickens. He gains the audience’s sympathy as he struggles with the dreadful dilemma in which he finds himself. The world begins to fall apart around him and he seems helpless to prevent it. This play has many dark elements, often reflected by the sets and lighting and these create excitement and nervousness. It is a play in which the audience can empathise with some of the characters. There is a sense of frustration for everybody and you have to resist the urge to shout out as things seem so unfair! This is not a play for those who want humour and a light hearted production but it is a true psychological thriller with a happy end – of sorts… Scores : 4/5 | 
