Strangers on a Train - ★★★☆☆ - Striking, if out of focus

Judging from the audiences the latest offering from the Lace Market Theatre is riding well on the name of this famous title; but this version has it's own distinct style.

Lewis Bowkett's portrayal of Charles is one of the best parts of this production, reminiscent of a young Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can - charming, nervous, and feverishly energetic. He meets a more varied cast throughout the play, who generally play better opposite him than they do on their own. Of particular note are Polis Loizou and Emily Stribbling - while unconvincing as a married couple opposite each other, both Guy and Anne come to life put up against Charles.

The set is an impressive feat - and in Nottingham constitutes a small forest - with some rather gorgeous multicolour effects to ethereally separate the stage. Unfortunately for this reviewer it took reading the programme to realise they were meant to represent the train tracks of the finale. While it was quite a spectacle it does feel like the concept may have run away with itself a little.

Strangers runs for a few more days though if you're interested you may need to put your name on the reserve list to get a ticket.