The Girl on the Train
About the show
The play is based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and the DreamWorks film. It has been adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel.
Rachel Watson watches a couple out of the window of her train every day. They are happy and madly in love, or so it appears. When the woman she was watching suddenly disappears, Rachel finds herself as a witness, and then a suspect, as she gets entangled in the investigation and with the people involved. More revelations and danger are ahead for Rachel as she tries to find out what happened to Megan Hipwell, and fears that her alcohol-fueled memories may not be as they seem.
Cast age: 18+
Audience Age: 15+
Production team
Directors: Davina Beegoo-Price and Michael Horne
Stage Manager: Elaina Waterhouse
Any questions?
If you have any questions for the directors, please contact us by using this form.
Audition information
Introduction evening – Tuesday, 23rd April from 7.30pm.
Auditions: Sunday, 28th April from 1pm.
Both events take place at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre.
Signing up to audition
Please complete The Girl on the Train audition form to register your interest in the show. If you’re on Facebook, you can get a reminder to attend by saying you’re coming on our event page.
Preparation for auditioning
First of all, take a look at the character descriptions on this page to see who you might be suitable for.
NEW! Then, take a look at the actual audition pieces here. We are okay with you having the script pages in-hand for the auditions!
Information evening
This is our Directors’ opportunity to share their vision for the show, give you an overview of the characters and help you to prepare for the auditions.
You can register your interest for all the characters you’re willing to be considered for, however we ask that on the audition day, you select up to two characters to audition for. We recommend that you choose two characters who allow you to showcase your range and talents most effectively.
If you aren’t able to complete the form online, you can do this in person at the information evening.
Open casting
We welcome all ethnicities and gender identities at The Mill, and will be casting as openly as possible. There are three roles that are female-presenting, three roles that are male-presenting, and one which can be played by any gender. All roles will be cast with no specific ethnicity or physical appearance in mind, with the exception of Kamal, a male-presenting character who requires dark features.
Additional information about the show
The show is a mystery thriller, where we follow the investigation into Megan’s disappearance. It is set in a suburban town in England, in our present day. The story is non-linear at times, using flashbacks throughout to display (often blurry) memories of past events leading up to the investigation.
Content, Intimacy and Staging warnings
The show contains references to a range of sensitive topics which will be explored in rehearsals, including alcoholism, child loss, emotional abuse and physical violence. Intimacy without nudity will be required for Rachel, Megan, Scott and Kamal. Staging will include the use of flashing lights, blackouts and loud noises. It is designed to be an intense experience for both the audience and the performers.
Membership, Show Fee & Script Fee
There is no fee to audition for The Girl on the Train.
You will require a Full Membership to perform or take part in the show. This is £30 for the current year (from 1st January to 31st December). Instructions of how to join are available here. Membership will be required as soon as rehearsals start.
There is also a Show Fee of £10 and a Script Fee of £10 (you get to keep the script).
Key Dates for the show
All auditions, rehearsals and the performances will take place at Sharnbrook Mill Theatre (unless there’s an emergency!)
| Introduction and information evening | Tuesday 23rd April 2024, 7.30pm |
| Audition day | Sunday 28th April 2024, from 1pm |
| First read through and a get together before rehearsals start | To be decided (after consultation with the cast) |
| Rehearsals | From Tuesday 11th June – Thursday 19th September: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.00pm-9.30pm. Sunday rehearsals will be required on September 1st, 8th, and 15th (times to be confirmed) |
| Tech run | Sunday 22nd September 2024, all day |
| Dress rehearsal | Monday 23rd September 2024, from 6pm |
| Charity night performance | Tuesday 24th September 2024, from 6pm |
| Evening performances (7.30pm) | Wednesday 25th September 2024, from 6pm
Thursday 26th September 2024, from 6pm Friday 27th September 2024, from 6pm Saturday 28th September 2024, from 6pm |
| Get out | We will follow the Mill tradition of the whole cast and crew helping to take down the set and reset for the next production. Sunday 29th September 2024, from 11am |
Backstage and front of house volunteers!
The Mill is run by volunteers, and we’re always looking for enthusiastic people who would love to be part of the theatre magic! There are lots of ways you can help bring our shows to life. Before the show, you can help out with set building, costumes, props and technical design, and during show week, you can also help us backstage or front of house, by ushering or working in the bar. If you’re interested in any of these positions and would like to find out more, please take a look at our volunteering pages. We’d love to hear from you!