Going in with an open mind, not quite sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised by just how gripping and entertaining a murder mystery can be on stage. This production, adapted by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lucy Bailey, brought the iconic whodunnit to life with style, suspense, and even a touch of humour, making for a truly compelling theatrical experience.
The Story & Its Legacy
Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie's most famous novels, first published in 1934 and inspired by real-life events, including the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh’s son in 1932 and Christie’s own experience travelling on the Orient Express. The novel quickly became a classic, cementing Hercule Poirot as one of literature’s most beloved detectives. Over the years, it has been adapted for film, television, and radio, but bringing this intricate mystery to life on stage is no easy feat. However, this production masterfully balances the novel’s tension, its shocking twists, and its deeper themes of justice and morality, all while keeping the audience thoroughly engaged.
A Mystery Unfolds
Set in the 1930s, the story follows the brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who finds himself aboard the luxurious Orient Express. What begins as a routine journey quickly takes a sinister turn when a murder is discovered in one of the compartments. As the train becomes stranded in a snowdrift, Poirot is tasked with solving the crime before the culprit has a chance to escape. With a cast of intriguing characters, all harbouring secrets and suspicions, the play keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
Michael Maloney’s Masterful Poirot
At the centre of it all is Michael Maloney’s outstanding performance as Hercule Poirot. Taking on such an iconic role comes with immense pressure, but Maloney is more than up to the task, capturing Poirot’s meticulous nature, razor-sharp intellect, and underlying emotional depth with precision. His presence commands the stage, balancing moments of calculated deduction with unexpected warmth and humour. His sharp, clipped delivery and meticulous physicality embody the character to perfection, making him utterly compelling to watch. Whether delivering a piercing observation or simply straightening his moustache in quiet contemplation, Maloney ensures that Poirot remains at the heart of the story, unravelling the mystery with both brilliance and grace. His final monologue, filled with quiet intensity and a deep moral conflict, was particularly mesmerising, holding the audience in rapt attention.
An Outstanding Supporting Cast
Beyond Poirot, the production boasts a strong supporting cast, each actor delivering a performance that felt authentic and captivating. The chemistry between the ensemble was undeniable, with every character bringing their own quirks and complexities to the story, ensuring that the tension remained high throughout.
Two performances, in particular, stood out. Debbie Chazen is an absolute delight as the formidable Princess Dragomiroff. With her aristocratic presence, biting wit, and commanding delivery, she brings a larger-than-life quality to the role, making every scene she appears in sparkle with personality. Her dry humour and unwavering confidence make her a character you can’t help but be drawn to, adding a distinct air of eccentricity to the play.
Equally captivating is Rebecca Charles as the anxious and devout Greta Ohlsson. Her performance is filled with nervous energy, her hands often trembling and her voice faltering as she tries to contain her emotions. Charles plays the role with such conviction that her anxiety becomes almost contagious, making her one of the most intriguing figures in Poirot’s investigation. Her performance adds another layer of tension to the play, keeping the audience on edge whenever she is on stage.
However, the entire cast deserves credit for bringing such a well-rounded and believable group of characters to life. The interplay between them, from the suave and mysterious Colonel Arbuthnot, (Rishi Rian)(played with authority and restraint) to the glamorous yet haunted Countess Andrenyi (Mila Carter), adds further depth to the production. Each character is distinct, and every performance contributes to the intricate puzzle at the heart of the mystery.
A Stunning 1930s World Brought to Life
The production does a fantastic job of transporting the audience back to the 1930s, with exquisite attention to detail in both costumes and dialogue. The elegant attire—feathered hats, fur stoles, tailored suits, and perfectly coiffed hairstyles—adds to the authenticity, making the characters feel as though they have stepped straight out of the Golden Age of Travel. The script itself stays true to the era, with dialogue that feels refined and period-appropriate, reinforcing the play’s classic feel. The combination of these elements makes the experience feel immersive, capturing the glamour and intrigue of a bygone time.
Ingenious Staging & Set Design
One of the most impressive aspects of the production is its staging. Bringing a moving train to life on stage is no small challenge, yet the set design achieves this seamlessly. The movement of the train between scenes is cleverly orchestrated, creating the illusion of motion without disrupting the flow of the story. Through effective lighting, sound effects, and subtle shifts in set pieces, the audience truly feels as though they are aboard the Orient Express, travelling through the snow-covered landscapes of Europe. The confined yet dynamic setting adds to the tension, making the train feel like both a luxurious retreat and a claustrophobic trap for those onboard.
A Balance of Mystery & Humour
Although Murder on the Orient Express revolves around a tragic crime, the production successfully weaves in moments of humour that provide a welcome respite from the tension. Poirot’s witty remarks, the exaggerated personalities of some of the passengers, and the occasional well-timed comedic exchange add a lightness to the story. These moments of levity offer the audience a brief distraction before plunging them back into the gripping investigation. This careful balance ensures that while the play remains a thrilling murder mystery, it never feels overwhelmingly heavy, making for an entertaining and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Murder on the Orient Express exceeded all expectations, proving that a murder mystery on stage can be just as thrilling, engaging, and even fun as any screen adaptation. With an impeccable cast, particularly Michael Maloney’s outstanding Poirot, clever staging, and a beautifully realised 1930s setting, this production is a must-see. Whether you’re a devoted Agatha Christie fan or, like me, new to experiencing her work in a theatrical setting, this adaptation delivers a night of intrigue, suspense, and sheer entertainment.
