Torquay Troupe takes on train

ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S 1951 film adaption of Strangers on a Train brought the psychological thriller to life and now the Torquay Theatre Troupe (TTT) is bringing it to the stage.

With rehearsals commencing early February producer Zina Carman said the theatrical adaptation written by Craig Warner (based on the novel written by Patricia Highsmith) has remained more faithful to the original story.

Michael Baker will direct the cast of five males and two females in this gripping play which revolves around a chance meeting of two young men on a train; during discussion one of them suggests that they ‘swap’ murders, but is he serious?

Lachie Errey and Lachlan Vivian-Taylor will play the role of the leading men with new faces Tom Van Looy and Ethan Cook joining the cast for the first time; Don Bennet (All Things Considered) and Catherine Crowe (The Laramie Project) will return to the troupe for a second time and well known TTT actress Maryanne Doolan will play the role of Elsie.

Ms Carman said this was the first time TTT is presenting a thriller and cast and production staff were taking their time to ensure they built the suspense required.

“A psychological thriller needs a lot of work to get that tension on stage. We like a longer rehearsal time; a lot of companies have shorter rehearsal periods, but we feel the extra time gives us the chance to build the characters,” Ms Carman said.

“The show’s developing quite nicely, we can’t put our set up yet as there’s not enough space where we’re working but it’ll be nice when we can start working with the panels we’ll be using.”

With an innovative set design, imaginative lighting and live music to enhance the dramatic effect, Torquay theatregoers are in for a treat.

Tickets for the May production are available from trybooking.com with the play opening May 14 at 16 Price Street with performances on May 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 8pm and a matinee Sunday May 20 at 2pm.

Adults are $23, and concession is $20. For more information ring Gay on 5261 6111.