Strangers on a Train

Based on the 1950s novel by Patricia Highsmith, Strangers on a Train is a thrilling tale that’s delighting audiences across the UK.

The story, made famous by the Oscar Award-winning Alfred Hitchcock film, follows two men in the dining carriage of a train: Guy and Charles. Charles is a calculating man who holds a dark secret. Gary is a jealous, successful businessman. After a casual conversation, the two men forge a dangerous plan that sets off a chain of life-changing events.

The production will tour in 2018, with stops in Glasgow, Brighton, Manchester, Birmingham, York, Aylesbury, Richmond and more.

The gripping story, directed by Anthony Banks, is brought to life by an all-star cast, which includes:

• Christopher Harper as Charles Bruno. Christopher is best known for his role as Nathan Curtis on Coronation Street. His theatre credits include Much Ado about Nothing, and his television drama credits include Upstairs Downstairs, The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, and Life on Mars.
• Jack Ashton as Guy Haines. Jack is best known for his role as Rev Tom Hereward in the television series Call the Midwife. He has also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing, Broadchurch, Holby City and Endeavour.
• John Middleton as Detective Arthur Gerard. John is making his debut on Britain’s touring stage.
• Hannah Tointon as Anne Faulkner. Hannah is known for her roles on Hollyoaks, The Inbetweeners and Mr Selfridge.

Strangers on a Train is presented by Smith and Brant Theatricals, and Ambassador Theatre Group. Anthony Banks is directing, with David Woodhead on design. Other creatives include Ben and Max Ringham on music and sound, and Howard Hudson on lighting design.

The original film was released in 1951, with Alfred Hitchcock directing and producing the movie. The classic film’s cast included Robert Walker, Farley Granger and Ruth Roman. Hitchcock’s daughter, Pat Hitchcock, also makes an appearance in the film.

Of course, Hitchcock himself makes his famous cameo in the film. In one of his most famous cameos, Hitchcock is seen boarding the train just as Guy gets off in the beginning of the film.

When two strangers meet on a train, one suggests that they “get rid of” someone by exchanging murders. After one commits the first murder, he tries to force the other to hold up his end of the bargain.

The tale ends in tragedy, but justice prevails.

Strangers on a Train will open at Theatre Royal Brighton in January before heading off on the road.