Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile

Set sail for scandal, suspense, and 1930's glamour — Death on the Nile at Milton Keynes Theatre delivers an outstanding, edge-of-your-seat whodunnit.
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Joanne McClaren

Last night, we were transported from the heart of Milton Keynes to the sultry banks of the River Nile for the opening night of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lucy Bailey.

After recently reviewing Murder on the Orient Express, we knew we were in for a treat – and this production did not disappoint. Set in the glamorous 1930's, the story unfolds against the backdrop of luxury and leisure, where the wealthy and the world-weary meet aboard a lavish steamer cruising along Egypt’s most famous river. But beneath the golden sunshine and the sound of lapping water, secrets simmer and jealousy festers. When newlywed heiress Linnet Ridgeway is found dead, everyone on board becomes a suspect, and the ever-meticulous Hercule Poirot must piece together a tangled web of love, betrayal, and deception before the boat reaches its destination.

The cast in this production is nothing short of outstanding. Each performance is perfectly pitched, drawing the audience deep into the mystery and drama of Christie’s world. Mark Hadfield gives a truly remarkable performance as the famed Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. His accent, mannerisms, and measured poise are absolutely spot on – a flawless portrayal that balances humour, precision, and gravitas. Libby Alexandra-Cooper shines as the glamorous and wealthy Linnet Ridgeway, delivering a performance that captures both the charm and arrogance of her character. Meanwhile, Esme Hough as Jacqueline de Bellefort commands the stage with raw emotion and intensity, her portrayal of heartbreak and obsession utterly captivating. The chemistry between the ensemble is electric, and every actor on stage plays their part to perfection, creating a rich tapestry of personalities that keeps you guessing – and second-guessing – right to the end.

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As for the set, it is quite simply one of the most inventive and impressive we’ve seen on stage. Without giving away any spoilers, imagine a production that seamlessly transports you from land to water, with the arrival of the boat on the Nile taking place a good 30 to 40 minutes into the show – and when it does, the effect is breathtaking. The design evokes the Art Deco elegance of the 1930's while immersing the audience in the sights and sounds of Egypt. The combination of Mic Pool’s sound design and Oliver Fenwick’s lighting is masterful, crafting atmosphere and tension in equal measure. Every flicker of light and ripple of sound heightens the drama – there were moments where the tension was so palpable, you could feel your shoulders tighten in anticipation. The costumes are equally exquisite, evoking the era with sophistication and flair. From crisp linen suits and elegant evening gowns to the beautifully styled hair and make-up, every detail has been carefully considered. The women looked stunning in their 1930's attire – a testament to the costume, hair, and make-up teams who have captured the glamour of the age perfectly.

This production is a triumph – gripping, stylish, and richly atmospheric. The auditorium at the milton keynes theatre logo is blue and white with a red stripe .Milton Keynes Theatre was packed, the audience hanging on every word as the story twisted and turned. The atmosphere was electric, and the collective gasp at key moments said it all. Without revealing any spoilers (because truly, this is one to experience for yourself), this Death on the Nile is one of the best “whodunnits” we’ve seen. Christie’s genius for suspense is brought vividly to life through Bailey’s clever direction, and even the most seasoned mystery lovers will find themselves second-guessing right up until the final reveal.

Death on the Nile runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 18th October, and there are still tickets available – so be sure to catch it before it sails out of town! Whether you’re a lifelong Christie fan or simply love a good murder mystery, this is an evening of theatre not to be missed. As for us? We’ll admit it – we never manage to guess the culprit correctly… but that’s half the fun, isn’t it?