If you’re looking for an exciting piece of theatre, then The Girl on the Train at Salisbury Playhouse is just the ticket.

This thrilling reimagining of Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Telling the story of lonely divorcee and alcoholic Rachel Watson, whose daily commute takes her past her former marital home. Rachel (played by Joanna van Kampen) has become obsessed with a couple a few doors down, who seemingly have the perfect relationship.

Watching them from the train, she fantasises about their lives, naming them Jess and Jason. The play opens with the disappearance of Jess - whose real name is Megan (Emer McDaid) and whose husband Scott (Samuel Collings) appears to be suspect number one.

Rachel’s frequent drinking binges and blackouts make her an unreliable witness but she is sure she has the answer to Megan’s disappearance, if only she could remember….

Joanna van Kampen brings a sensitivity to the alcoholic Rachel, as she desperately tries to recall events leading up to her bash on the head and the disappearance of Megan.

Samuel Collings excels as the heartbroken, angry and confused Scott, while Jonathan Firth is brilliant as creepy ex-husband Tom with Phoebe Pryce as new wife Anna.

Amid the tension, there are some light-hearted, comic moments between Detective Gaskill, endearingly played by Jason Merrells, and Rachel as he tries to figure out whether her interest is genuine.

The stage consists of a backdrop of large screens with a range of simple props for each scene - a messy bed for Rachel’s flat, a drinks cabinet for Scott and Megan’s house and a table and chair for the police station.

Directed by Loveday Ingram, scenes are intermittently placed on pause, creating a scene-within-a-scene as Rachel’s memories gradually unfurl.

Clever choreography creates the bustle of a busy platform, while lighting, sound and special effects do a fantastic job of producing the illusion of the train. Sound is very much a main component in maintaining the tension throughout.

I had both read the novel and seen the film, but I don’t think you will need to have done either to enjoy this electrifying stage interpretation of an outstanding psychological thriller.

The Girl on the Train continues at Salisbury Playhouse until November 11. For tickets visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk or telephone the box office on 01722 320333.