The Girl on the Train Comes to the Minack Theatre in June

A Psychological Thriller Comes to the Minack This Summer

The cliffs of Porthcurno have hosted plenty of drama over the years, but few stories arrive with the kind of unease that follows this one. The line between what Rachel Watson sees and what she imagines is about to blur on one of Cornwall’s most striking stages.

The Girl on the Train is coming to the Minack Theatre from the 29th of June to the 2nd of July 2026. Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel and the DreamWorks film, this amateur production has been brought to the stage by writers Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, and is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

What the story is about

The production follows Rachel as she witnesses something shocking and watches her curiosity spiral into obsession. She becomes entangled in a missing person investigation, and the line between memory and imagination starts to fall apart. The story asks how much she can trust the people in her life, the ones she has been watching, and most of all, herself.

It is described as a dark and atmospheric thriller that explores memory, identity, and the fine line between truth and illusion, with twists at every turn.

The director’s take

Director Rick Hyland has placed Rachel firmly at the centre of the story, inviting audiences to experience events through her perspective.

“This stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train places Rachel firmly at the centre of the story, inviting the audience to experience events through her fractured and often unreliable perspective,” Rick said. “Her struggle with memory, compounded by a growing alcohol dependency, means that what we see is constantly shifting, forcing us to question what is real.”

He added that he is interested in leaning into that instability. “I’m particularly interested in leaning into that instability and immersing the audience in Rachel’s world, so they feel as though they are uncovering the truth alongside her. It’s a dark, twisting thriller, but one that also finds moments of sharp humour, brought to life by an exceptional cast.”

Before you book

The production contains adult themes and depictions of domestic abuse and addiction. The trigger warnings listed cover death and bereavement, domestic abuse, miscarriage and abortion, and sexual assault and violence. It carries a recommended age of 14 and over.

Tickets and full details are available on the Minack Theatre website.