THE play maybe called Strangers on a Train, but meeting the cast at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, was more like greeting friends. The group of five familiar faces I encountered was a lovely surprise a line-up of stars we know so well from the small screen and brilliant casting dispelling the myth that there is no life for actors after soaps.

Firstly, the handsome 27-year-old Will Thorp joined me for tea and sandwiches.

Well-known as Casualty's cheeky boy and eye-candy Paul Woody' Joyner, he raised his profile even higher in Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Hanna Haarala in the third series of the BBC hit show.

The day we met was the first time the cast had read through their scripts and Will, who plays Guy Haines, was bursting with enthusiasm to start rehearsals.

He was also delighted to reveal he is soon to be seen on TV as a baddie in the new Dr Who series, opposite David Tennant.

That led me smoothly into the next interview and another cuppa with Colin Baker, famous for his role as one of the Dr Whos.

He said: "The interest in Dr Who and reflected glory for myself has been great.

"I'm so proud to have been a part of such a phenomenon."

Colin plays detective Arthur Gerard in this gripping, psychological thriller.

"It's very interesting as in the 50s the police had no forensic science, DNA testing and gizmos, so the solution is reached by using the old grey matter," he said.

Then I faced every EastEnders fan's worst nightmare Trevor Morgan, the husband who abused Little Mo and came to a very hot, sticky end.

"I know, I'm playing another nutter this time." laughed actor Alex Ferns.

"The plot has two men, Guy and Charles, meeting on a train. They have a conversation revealing they would each like someone dead to better their lives.

"One of them is serious about it and one is not, taking it more as a joke. But of course that's where the drama starts."

Mrs Bruno, Charles' mother played by the delightful Anita Harris, is a bit of a disturbed woman it seems.

Anita explained: "Charles has an odd relationship with his mother, an obsession I suppose, and yet he also exerts a sexual power over Guy. I can't say too much, we don't want to give the game away."

Next up was Leah Bracknell, best-known as infamous Zoe Tate from Emmerdale, who cheerfully grinned and said: "I'm just so pleased not to be playing a lesbian murderer.

"I play the girlfriend of Guy, who wants to be rid of his troublesome ex-wife."

Strangers on a Train is adapted from the novel by Patricia Highsmith, who also wrote The Talented Mr Ripley.

Strangers on a Train, Churchill Theatre, Bromley, April 27 to May 6. Tickets £18 - £23, box office 0870 060 6620.