LatestDramaReviewsDeath on the Nile

Death on the Nile has been adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig (Murder on the Orient Express) and directed by Lucy Bailey who also helmed the brilliant UK tour of And Then There Were None that we had the pleasure of seeing at the Theatre Royal Plymouth back in 2024, this latest Agatha Christie adaptation does not disappoint.

Review by Caitlin Weeks

Copyright: Images – UK Tour 2025/26

We were honored to be invited to the Theatre Royal in Plymouth for press night on Tuesday 19 May 2026 to review Death on the Nile. What begins as an expectedly romantic sailing trip along the River Nile quickly takes a dark turn. As fans know all too well, wherever Hercule Poirot goes, murder is bound to follow. Death on the Nile is undoubtedly one of Christie’s most famous and frequently adapted Poirot mysteries. Because the story is so well-known, the real challenge lies in keeping the tension alive. Yet, despite knowing the beats, we still found ourselves on the edge of our seats as Poirot rounded up the suspects for the grand “whodunit” reveal.

There is a comforting familiarity to any Poirot tale, and this sharp adaptation is no exception. While it doesen’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, that does not take away from the immense enjoyment of the show; instead, it leans into the timeless joys of the genre, delivering an incredibly satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre.

The Standout Performances

While the play revolves around heavy themes of revenge and murder, there are still plenty of laughs to be had. This is largely thanks to clever fourth-wall breaks courtesy of Poirot himself, portrayed brilliantly by Mark Hadfield. Hadfield infuses the iconic detective with charm and wit. He is well-supported by a stellar cast, including Holby City alumnus Bob Barrett and Glynis Barber also turns in a wonderfully memorable, scene-stealing performance as the melodramatic, eccentric romance novelist Salome Otterbourne.

Meanwhile, Libby Alexandra-Cooper makes an impressive stage debut as Linnet Ridgeway, the wealthy heiress whose glamorous honeymoon forms the tragic centre of the plot. She provides a perfect contrast to Esme Hough, who brings the role of the scorned Jacqueline de Bellefort alive with a captivating intensity. Hough brilliantly balances Jacqueline’s heartbreak with a simmering menace, making her a deeply compelling force every time she steps on deck.

A Stunning Voyage: The Set Design

A highlight of the production is the incredibly effective set design by Mike Britton. Utilising a two-tier set, Britton perfectly recreates the dual decks of the passenger steamer, the SS Karnak, where the majority of the tense drama unfolds.

The staging adds a wonderful dynamic to the performance, though it’s worth noting that this particular design was best appreciated from our fantastic vantage point in the dress circle, which offered a perfect view of both levels simultaneously. For a thrilling, witty, and beautifully staged night at the theatre, this cruise is well worth booking.

Please note this tour comes to a close following its run at Theatre Royal in Plymouth this Saturday, we are sure the ship will sale again and with two more Agatha Christie plays touring we are sure you can catch one soon!