Interview: Tiran Aakel on playing Kamal Abdic in THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN at Salisbury Playhouse

Based on the best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins and the blockbuster film from DreamWorks, a new stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train opens tomorrow (19 October) at Salisbury Playhouse. We spoke to Tiran Aakel who plays Kamal Abdic in the piece.

You’re about to appear in a new stage adaptation of the novel, The Girl on the Train. How is this version different to stage interpretations that have come before?

I’ve not seen the other two interpretations, but I believe this set is very different and uses more dynamic audio/visual technology, as well as detailed cast movement/choreography, all representing the discombobulation of Rachel Watson’s mind.

What first attracted you to the role of Kamal Abdic?

He is an intelligent and highly-skilled psychiatrist that has human flaws with deep emotional depth. It’s always lovely to play a well-rounded three-dimensional character. That, and the play itself, which is exciting on various levels.

If you could adapt any novel for the stage, what would it be and why?

I think most of the novels that I’ve wanted to be adapted, have already been adapted! But perhaps One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez could be an interesting challenge to adapt?

You’ve had some varied theatre roles, which has been your favourite so far?

A tough question to answer, as I have many for different reasons. If I look at projects within the last five years, then I would say playing Mr Gupta in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for comedy (and being the love interest for the gorgeous Rula Lenska and the fabulous Belinda Lang, both whom had played the role of Madge); playing Mahmoud (as well as the roles of Boxer and Derek) in The Jungle in terms of its very powerful themes about humanity and refugees; and also playing Ali and Farid in The Kite Runner (a very powerful story about love, betrayal, guilt and redemption, mainly set in Afghanistan).

If you could choose any role to play, what would it be?

That’s always a tough question to answer. But I would say Iago from Othello. I also like playing newly written roles that have not been played too many times so that I’m able to put my own original creation into it.

Why should audiences come and see The Girl on the Train?

It will be an intense, emotional and entertaining rollercoaster of an evening, that will hopefully have the audiences on the edge of their seats.

The Girl on the Train plays at Salisbury Playhouse from 19 October - 11 November, with further information here.