Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks Film
Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel
Auditions
Weds 20 Nov – 8pm – Brunt Room
Mon 25 Nov – 8pm – Hall
Please contact me if you want to audition but can’t make the above dates
Jo Roskilly jlroskilly@gmail.com 07949 252576
Performances 13-15 March 2025
Dress Rehearsal 12 March 2025
Technical Rehearsal 9 March 2025
Rehearsals Monday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons (a couple of Sunday evenings when hall is not free in the day)
This brilliant play is a psychological thriller cum murder mystery with six fantastic and challenging roles.
Based on the hugely successful book by Paula Hawkins which was made into a film starring Emily Blunt. We will have a minimalist set but use lots of lighting, sound and technology to create a really contemporary and exciting performance.
Roles
Rachel Watson – playing age 25-35
A demanding role as she is on stage nearly the whole time. Rachel was married to Tom but after trying unsuccessfully for a baby she started drinking, their marriage broke up and now Tom is married to Anna and they have the family Rachel longed for. After losing her job Rachel still gets the train across London every day and through the window she watches what she believes to be a perfect couple, living on her old street.
But when the woman goes missing, Rachel may be an important witness. But can she rely on her memories, clouded as they are through drink and the fantasies she has created.
Anna Watson – paying age 25-35
Working to build a life with her new husband and baby but it’s not easy living in the house he bought with his ex, surrounded by all their furniture. Plus Rachel her self is constantly phoning and turning up drunk at the house. What lengths will she have to go to to protect her family?
Megan Hipwell – playing age 25-35
At the beginning of the play Megan is missing so all of her scenes are flash backs / other characters’ memories. She is a complex character – beautiful but damaged. Often defining herself by how men respond to her. Haunted by traumas in her past she struggles with commitment and cannot feel contentment. This character will have scenes where they have to kiss male characters but we will work on how to perform these and make sure everyone is comfortable.
Tom Watson – playing age 25-45
A confident and, on the surface, charming character. He split up with Rachel after her drinking and behaviour got too much but it seems he still feels responsible and looks out for her. We see him caring for his new wife, supporting her as she apparently struggles with the responsibility of looking after their new baby. In some scenes the character gets physical with female characters but we will carefully choreograph these to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable.
Scott Hipwell – playing age 25-45
Megan’s husband, worried and confused following her disappearance but also weighed down with guilt. He becomes increasingly undone as the case unfolds and the secrets of his wife’s past are revealed. Under the constant glare of media and police interest and suspicion, Rachel, apparently a friend of Megan’s, appears to be his only ally but her involvement only complicates issues. As above, there are scenes where he gets physical with female characters.
Kamal Abdic – playing age 30-50
Kamal is Megan Hipwell’s therapist, he has been helping her work through her troubled past and find her sense of self. Reserved and professional with a fatherly kindness and calm. His scenes are mainly with Rachel who is posing as a client to uncover the truth about his relationship with Megan after she sees them together from her train. We see his therapy sessions with Megan through flashback.
D.I. Gaskill – Male or female, any age
Written male but often played female. Could be any age but an experienced and worldly-wise police inspector. Although Rachel’s name keeps cropping up in the investigation, Gaskill shows her surprising kindness and empathy. Sardonic with a dry wit, this character has some lovely lines.
Chorus x2
Ideally one male, one female. Non-speaking. These actors will be integral to the success of the show. They will play multiple roles e.g. passengers on a train, crime scene investigators and also ‘double’ the main characters when they are recounting memories or flashbacks. Plus they will assist with scene transitions and movement of the minimal props and set so the action can flow seamlessly. So you’ll need to be really organised, accurate and energetic!
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cy6af36iss32kml4zhwrg/AL8fstEmiuJF2ZBWlgll6e4?rlkey=sq04ikefooj8vkhkxu2smwnmn&st=xnmbr921&dl=0
Follow above Dropbox link for:
– Rehearsal dates and times
– Copy of script
Audition pieces
Kamal and Rachel
p26 “I don’t remember doing it” – p29 “I think you should leave
Scott and Rachel
P43 “Tell me honestly. Are you really Megan’s friend?” – p44 “I don’t know how much more of this I can take”
Gaskill (and Rachel)
p47 “well this has been a funny old few days” – p48 end of scene
Scott and Megan
p57 “I’ve made some mistakes” – p58 “Don’t fucking touch me”
Megan (one Kamal line)
p62 “I’ve kept this for so long…” – p64 “I never saw Craig again”
Rachel and Tom
p68 “Is your wife in?” – p69 “I can’t believe this is the first time we’re having this conversation.”
Tom and Rachel
P85 “Concentrate Rach, you’re doing really well” – p86 “We’re in this together”
Anna and Rachel
P89 “The things you’re capable of.” – P91 “You won’t get me to say otherwise
Jo Roskilly
Director
