Murder, menace and betrayal are coming to Richmond Theatre in an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel Strangers On A Train.

This new play is a modern classic of murder and suspense from the writer of the hit film The Talented Mr Ripley.

Memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1951, the thriller tells of a chance meeting on a train of ambitious architect Guy and indolent playboy Bruno. Seemingly harmless chit-chat about life's irritations - for Bruno, an interfering, control-freak of a father, for Guy, the vindictiveness of a bitter wife - takes a menacing turn when Bruno suggests they swap murders.

This evolves into a playful plot for the perfect crime. If they murder each other's bete-noir who could trace the motives or the connection between two strangers?

According to leading man Stephen Billington, the play is more a will-they-do-it rather than a whodunnit

And if the name Stephen Billington seems familiar, he played Greg Kelly in Coronation Street, who after using and abusing Sally Webster was voted the most hated man in Britain.

"The play is about looking at how everyone has the potential to be a killer within them and how far they will go before they commit a murder," he says.

"Plato said everyone has a white horse and a black horse within them and the soul is a chariot trying to reign them in.

"My character, Guy, is very much the white horse."

So what attracted Stephen to the role of Guy?

"I went for an audition several months ago and the director and producer said I would be great for the role of Guy. But then the production was postponed, but when it was revived I got the job.

"It is a well written play and I really like Patricia Highsmith's writing. I read the book a couple of times before we started rehearsals."

Playing a good guy makes a nice change for Stephen after Coronation Street. "This really does help shed that image I had before of being Mr Nasty," he says. "Coronation Street was enjoyable but I have to say there were aspects of it I didn't enjoy.

"I didn't like the fame aspect at all - I couldn't cope with being door-stopped by the tabloid press and not having any sort of privacy.

"I was constantly being stopped by people. At first it was flattering but after a while it becomes a real pain. So many people telling me to leave Sally alone!"

Strangers On A Train opens at Richmond Theatre on September 26. For details and bookings, call 020 8940 0088.