Train headed into Glasgow

FORMER EASTENDER Samantha Womack is to star in a new production of The Girl on the Train, the gripping thriller based on the internationally-acclaimed No 1 best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins.

Womack plays Rachel Watson who longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears.

When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

The Girl on the Train was a hit movie of 2016 which starred Emily Blunt as Rachel Watson.

The Girl on the Train will run at Theatre Royal, Glasgow from April 15-20, 2019.

Book now

THE FIRST ever Tobermory Book Festival is about to get underway.

The event will be staged in a number of venues, including the Aros Hall and the Western Isles Hotel, from October 25.

Those talking at the festival include Herald reporter David Ross who will be launching his new book Highland Herald: Reporting The News from the North.

Alexander McCall Smith will discuss his work and read from his new book, Scotland’s Best Loved Poems. And Adam Nicolson, who has written widely on subjects such as Homer and the Battle of Trafalgar, will talk about The Seabird’s City. See website for details.

Camley featured

The Herald’s Steven Camley has been featured in the book Britain’s Best Political Cartoons 2018 for five of his cartoons.

Britain’s Best Political Cartoons 2018 is a look back over the year through the satirical art of political cartooning, a very timely book given the recent controversy surrounding the Serena Williams cartoon.

The book includes an opening essay by the editor of the book and political cartoon expert, Tim Benson.

Ireland celebration

THE MOST talked about show of this year’s Edinburgh Festival, the Traverse Theatre Company’s Ulster Americans, is to return next Spring.

It’s written by David Ireland, whose most recent play Cyprus Avenue won the James Tait Black Award 2017 and Best Play at the Irish Times Theatre Awards 2017.

Ulster American explores abuses of power, the confusion of cultural identity and the silencing of the female voice in a confrontational and brutally funny way.

It’s a black comedy that’s definitely – and defiantly – not for the faint of heart. But it had audiences queuing for hours in hopes of securing a return ticket.

The return of this much-praised triple-hander will see the original cast reprise their roles. Jay (Darrell D’Silva) is the Oscar-winning actor taking the lead in a new play that connects with his Irish roots.

Leigh (Robert Jack) is the ambitious director who will do anything to get noticed. And Ruth (Lucianne McEvoy) is the Northern Irish playwright whose voice must be heard.

A spokesman said: “When the three meet to discuss the play’s challenges and provocations a line is crossed, and the heated discussion quickly escalates to a violent climax. The play is directed by Traverse Associate Director Gareth Nicholls.