INTERVIEW: 'The Play Couldn't Be More Timely': Actor Samuel Collings on Being in a 'Perfect Couple' and the Relevance of THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN at Salisbury Playhouse

Samuel Collings, from Hammersmith in West London, is one of the UK’s most versatile actors and can be found on stage, screen, radio and voicing audiobooks.

He is currently appearing in as neighbour Scott Hipwell in Wiltshire Creative's adaptation of The Girl on the Train, currently running at Salisbury Playhouse. The show is based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks and adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. Scott spoke with BroadwayWorld about his journey into acting, being part of a 'perfect couple' and the relvance of the story today.

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You’re the son of the late Royal Shakespeare Company actor, David Collings, and actress Karen Archer. Your sister, Eliza Collings, is also an actor. Was it inevitable you’d join the entertainment business coming from such an artistic background?

I wanted to be an actor from the age of three, but my parents’ friends in the industry said, “Oh, please God, do anything other than being an actor.” I’m not a nepo baby, but I always loved theatre, dance and music during my childhood. Later, I joined the National Youth Theatre and Glyndebourne Youth Group, and after doing my A-levels I wanted to go to drama college. So, I guess you could say it’s in the blood.

My sister and I were very lucky as kids spending a lot of time in theatres. I saw a lot of famous actors in brilliant productions, like Brian Cox in King Lear and Ian McKellen in Richard III.

Have you ever acted with any members of your family?

One of my favourite moments was appearing with my father in Edward II at The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. I got a call from him to say he was in the production, so I made sure we shared a dressing room.

I’ve also performed with my sister in The Curse of the Mummy at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and with my mother in School Play at The Duchess Theatre in the West End with my mother. I was her son.

In addition, all three of us were in a one-off performance of The Chances, the Jacobean comedy by John Fletcher, part of the Read Not Dead series at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Currently, you’re playing Scott Hipwell in The Girl on the Train. Is the stage version (adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel) more like the book or the film?

It draws from the novel, which came out back in 2013. The play is a stripped-back version, because you can’t fit all the characters from the book into a stage production.

You’re the attractive neighbour of the protagonist, Rachel Watson. She regards you as one-half of ‘the perfect couple’ alongside your wife, Megan, who’s harbouring a secret. What’s it like to play this role?

It’s interesting, because the play’s a whodunnit and quasi-psychological thriller all at the same time. The lead character Rachel is an alcoholic, so she doesn’t remember things clearly. And there are a lot of other slippery characters, which makes it difficult for the audience to know what’s true and what isn’t. I’m really enjoying exploring my own character and then zooming out and looking at the whole picture more objectively.

Have you worked with any members of the cast before?

Last year, I was in Murder on the Orient Express with Joanna van Kampen (who plays Rachel). It’s terrific working with her again.

Are the key themes in The Girl on the Train still relevant today?

Yes, totally. The play is set in the present day and there are many themes that reflect the hustle and bustle of modern life, such as alcoholism, broken relationships, infidelity, guilt, depression and loneliness. The play couldn’t be more timely.

The industry and those working in it have been hit by Covid and the after-effects. How has it affected you?

I had a lot of work lined up for the next 18 months – and then Covid hit. It’s been a hard time for everyone. Unfortunately, the arts are often the first things cut when it comes to funding. Audiences can help support us and theatres by booking up and going to see shows. The Girl on the Train has opened well, but tickets are still available. So, please come. Besides, it’s not a long play, so there’s time for a drink or supper after the show!

The Girl on the Train runs until November 11 at the Salisbury Playhouse.

Photo credit: Ash Mills

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