Review of Strangers on a Train at the Gielgud theatre in London
Get on board the express train that is at the Gielgud theatre for a truly white-knuckle, gripping ride. Starring the sensational Laurence Fox and Jack Huston, this drama puts the thrill in thrilling and the chill in chilling.
The opening night of the new thriller Strangers on a Train at the Gielgud theatre in London’s West End was truly a star studded affair with the likes of Jerry Hall, Graham Norton and Ivan Izikowitz in attendance. Ruby Wax arrived fashionably late but not so late to miss getting the train that hurtled to a stunning climax.
The stage adaptation of this gripping and tense play, based on Patricia Highsmith’s acclaimed novel which itself was the basis of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic suspense film is superb.
Laurence Fox and Jack Huston star in Strangers on a Train at the Gielgud theatre in London
The drama unfolds about two men who plot a perfect murder and the translation of this play from old screen to modern stage was incredibly well produced and thought out. The unusual and imaginative use of black and white with little colour enhanced the production, at many times giving a film-like quality and appearance. The overlay of film to add to the back drop worked very well, injecting a different feel to the stage and carried the audience with it from railway to fairground; the use of a turntable style scene changer was very slick.
West End’s new sensational thriller is written by Craig Warner and has an all star cast including Laurence Fox, of the Fox acting dynasty and probably most famous for his leading role as Detective Sergeant James Hathaway in the ITV drama series Lewis. Co-starring Jack Huston, best known for his role as Richard Harrow in Boardwalk Empire.
As expected, with the two male leads from the Fox and Huston dynasties the performances were stellar. In particular Jack Huston as Bruno Antony, the psychopathic, dysfunctional drunk was quite menacing at times.
The show was essentially a play of two halves – the first half being the plot and setting the scene – with the second half the manifestation and resolution. The first act was amazing as the plot thickens and the suspense builds in this truly gripping drama.
The story is about two strangers who meet on a train a simple conversation takes a sinister turn when both realise their desire to get rid of someone. The solution to complete the perfect murder appears to be to simply swap murders that way no-one can suspect the motive if you have a solid alibi. The dangerous reality builds as a lethal cocktail of blackmail and psychological torment and the deadly dilemma is to kill, or to stand accused of a murder.
In truth the second act half dragged a little but did have a spectacular ending, that will literally keep you on the edge of your seat.
Overall though in summary, visually stunning, great performances and highly recommended.
The classic whodunnit thriller is at the Gielgud theatre booking until the 22nd February.
Click here to book tickets for Strangers on a Train at the Gielgud theatre in London.
