MKFM interviewed Laura Whitmore who is playing Rachel Watson in Paula Hawkins’ psychological thriller which rolls into Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 10 – Sat 14 Jun.
What can audiences expect when they come to see the show?
It's a great show for fans of the book, of course, and also for those who aren't as familiar with the story because it's a cracking thriller. There's lots of twists and turns, visually it's very clever, as is the staging, and you go on a journey with characters that you really care about. It's a thrilling night out.
Who is Rachel and what is her role in the story?
When we first meet Rachel Watson she isn't in a very good place. You see someone who appears to be a very vulnerable woman. But what we learn and unpack as the show goes on is that there's a lot more to her. One of the big things about the show has to do with her memory - what she remembers and how she tries to fit all those pieces together. Her memory is kind of playing tricks on her and it's like she's piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. Plotwise, she takes this journey on a train every day and it stops at the same place where she can see into people's back gardens. It's that natural thing where we look into people's back gardens because we're nosy or we imagine the lives those people are living. With Rachel, she becomes obsessed with a couple that she sees each day, then the girl in the couple goes missing.
What makes her such a juicy character to play?
As I said, you first meet this seemingly vulnerable woman but you soon realise that there's a lot more strength there. There's a lot of hope in her and the audience is rooting for her. Even though sometimes she seems a bit messy and she does things that are questionable and also questions herself, there is a likability to her as well. It's such a meaty part to get into because there are so many layers to her. She can't remember things, she has a drink problem, she has this ex-husband who she just can't let go of, she's obsessed with this couple and wishes she had the life they're living... There's so much to go at.
Were you already familiar with the Paula Hawkins novel on which the play is based?
I remember years ago my mum saying to me "Have you heard about this new Girl on the Train book by Paula Hawkins?" Everyone was talking about it, so I devoured it. I set my alarm early every morning so I could read a chapter before I got out of bed. It seemed like everyone was reading it at the time and [laughs] I remembered being on a train, reading the book and thinking "Oh, I'm a girl on a train reading The Girl on the Train!" It's a brilliant book and Paula is a really gripping writer. Her characterisation is so good, on top of which there's the plot and all the twists. It's like once you're on that train with these people you don't want to get off.
Are there surprises in store for people who have read the book or seen the film version?
Well, it's a different setting from the film, where the story was relocated to America. The stage version is much closer to the book but you've got the visuals and the sound, so you really feel immersed in the story. I love reading books where you can imagine things for yourself, but when you're in a theatre with other people it brings a whole other level to it.
What challenges does playing a drunk present to you?
I also played a character last summer who had a drink problem, namely Lauren in 2:22 A Ghost Story [laughs] so I feel like I might be being typecast at this stage. But I think most people who have a drink problem spend most of the time trying to hide the fact that they drink. So it's more about disguising rather than showing that, because that's what Rachel herself does. Plus she's a functional drunk; she's piecing things together while she's drinking that the detective can't do while sober, although it does affect her memory and we see in the play how those memories come back together again.
You previously appeared in the thrillers Not Dead Enough and 2:22 A Ghost Story. Why do you think audiences are drawn to a good thriller on stage?
For one thing, there's the word itself. Shows like this are a thrill. They're about excitement and I am a huge fan of live theatre, just as I love live telly, because it's all in-the-moment. With a thriller it's about being part of that rollercoaster, that whodunit element, with all those twists and turns. I'm actually working on a documentary at the moment about true crime and sometimes fictional crime dramas are not too far off things that happen in real life. I think that's another reason why so many people love thrillers, because they could happen. It's that "There but for the grace of God..." thing. Plus everyone likes to play the detective, don't they? You get to the interval and everyone's chatting, going 'Who do you think did it?' I love that.
You came to fame as a radio and TV broadcaster, but was acting always part of the plan?
I studied drama and on my first audition in London, when I was about 18, I was down to the final few for a Channel 4 drama. I didn't get the job so I went back to Ireland, did my degree in journalism and went down the presenting route, which I love too. I love storytelling in all its forms and I always said I wanted to get back into acting and balance the two. Now I get to indulge both of my passions.
What's more nerve-wracking, playing a character or being yourself?
It's interesting because you play different versions of yourself, I think. If I'm hosting a BBC radio show or I'm in a newsroom, presenting on Love Island or presenting I'm a Celebrity I'm playing different versions of myself, because presenting it's very different to presenting a documentary. They're all me, they're just different versions of me. It's the same as playing a character, because you always draw on some of your own experiences. But it's not nerve-wracking so much as exciting or thrilling or challenging.
What have been your favourite jobs over the years?
You never forget your first big job. I remember when I auditioned for MTV Europe. I won the competition to be the face of MTV when I was 22 or 23 and I moved to London not knowing anyone there, then they sent me off to LA. I probably didn't realise how big a deal it was, I remember just being like "This is fun!" I love filming but when it comes to live telly and live theatre they're my favourite things to do. With filming you do something and it comes out a year later, but live stuff is immediate.
When you're touring with a show is there anything you couldn't be on the road without?
Well, it used to be my dog. When I last toured I brought him with me, but he refuses to go anywhere these days! I like to take my family with me whenever it's workable to do so, but otherwise I travel quite light. I travel all the time for work between different countries and people probably think I take a lot of stuff with me but I've learned how to be a light traveller, how to keep it simple.
The tour calls at Milton Keynes Theatre. Does it have any significance for you?
I've performed there before and the audiences are great. Also, my friend Candice Brown from Bake Off doesn't live too far away. She's got a new restaurant called Margo's in Woburn not too far from Milton Keynes, so hopefully I'll get a chance to visit while I'm there.
LISTINGS
The Girl On The Train
Performances: Tue 10 Jun - Sat 14 Jun 2025 (evenings @ 7:30pm, matinees @ 2:30pm)
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
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