DramaLatestReviewsMurder on the Orient Express: UK Tour

Murder on the Orient Express – UK Tour! We were delighted to attend this masterfully put together play, one of Agatha Christie’s most memorable stories! Theatre Royal Plymouth brought us this FIRST-CLASS PRODUCTION with a set that is as intricate as the words that are weaved themselves.

Copyright: Cover Image and UK Tour Photos (Manuel Harlan)

Starring Michael Maloney (Belfast, Young Victoria, The Crown) as the celebrated Belgian sleuth, Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that is amongst her very best. Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, this brand-new production is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end of the line.

A Sumptuous Journey into Agatha Christie’s World

All aboard! The Murder on the Orient Express UK Tour, currently running until April 2025, is a dazzling theatrical adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s most iconic mysteries. The upgraded show has brought this classic tale to life with a first-class production that masterfully combines elegance, tension, and intrigue.

Immersive Set Design and Atmosphere

Set in the winter of 1934, an avalanche has halted the luxurious Orient Express, trapping its passengers – and a murderer – in the snow. The set design, an art deco wonder, transports you to the heyday of luxury travel with sumptuous details: plush wood paneling, velvet seats, and gleaming brass accents. The train is more than a backdrop; it’s a claustrophobic, living world that amplifies the drama and tension within.

Michael Maloney Shines as Poirot

At the heart of this gripping production is Michael Maloney as Hercule Poirot. His portrayal of the famous Belgian detective is pitch-perfect, capturing Poirot’s sharp intellect and signature quirks with flair. Maloney’s every gesture and turn of phrase is a delight, drawing you into the mystery with his measured, magnetic performance.

A Taut, Tense Direction

Under Jonathan Church’s expert direction, the production maintains a tight, gripping pace. The tension steadily builds as Poirot methodically unpicks the tangled web of lies and secrets aboard the train. The clever use of lighting and sound design enhances the mood, creating a sense of mounting unease that grips the audience until the final curtain.

The Twist that Never Fails

For those familiar with the novel, or its various screen adaptations, the story’s final twist remains one of Agatha Christie’s most brilliant. This production stages it with impeccable timing, making sure that even if you know what’s coming, the revelation hits with full force. Poirot’s unravelling of the case is as satisfying as ever, a reminder of why Murder on the Orient Express endures as one of the greatest detective stories ever told.

Don’t Miss This Thrilling Ride – UK Tour to April 2025!

The Murder on the Orient Express UK Tour is a must-see for fans of Agatha Christie, detective thrillers, or anyone who loves theatre. With its stellar performances, intricate set design, and expertly woven suspense, this production will keep you on the edge of your seat. Catch this extraordinary show as it steams across the UK, coming to a theatre near you soon – but be prepared, you might just find yourself tangled in Poirot’s web of deduction!

While Murder on the Orient Express is a gripping and visually stunning production, it isn’t without a few minor hiccups that prevent it from being a flawless five-star experience. Some of the cast’s accents, particularly during pivotal moments, felt inconsistent and occasionally slipped, pulling the audience out of the immersive atmosphere. With such an international ensemble of characters, the challenge of maintaining distinct dialects is clear, but these moments of accent confusion were noticeable enough to momentarily detract from the otherwise impeccable performances.

Additionally, while the set design is undoubtedly one of the production’s triumphs, there were a few instances of clunky scene transitions where the movement of the train carriages felt awkward or out of sync. These disruptions, though brief, occasionally broke the tension at key moments, momentarily slowing the otherwise taut pacing of the show.

These minor flaws aside, the production still shines brightly, delivering a thrilling night of theatre. However, a little polish on these areas would elevate it to the full five-star experience it so closely flirts with.

Running until April 2025 – Get your tickets here now!

Joining Michael Maloney, the stellar cast includes Bob Barrett, Mila Carter, Rebecca Charles, Debbie Chazen, Simon Cotton, Jean-Baptiste Fillon, Christine Kavanagh, Paul Keating, Iniki Mariano, Rishi Rian and Alex Stedman. Also in the cast are Antony Gabriel, Jasmine Raymond and Beth Tuckey.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS © Agatha Christie Limited and Ken Ludwig

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS ® POIROT® AGATHA CHRISTIE®