⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Fantastique!
With the rise of Netflix and real-life serial killer documentaries, we have become a nation of people who love to solve a murder. All of us thinking we are Hercule Poirot. So imagine my excitement when hearing that the Murder on the Orient Express tour was heading to Birmingham and I could sit in the theatre and be a detective.
Agatha Christie’s iconic Murder on the Orient Express has pulled into the station at The Alexandra Theatre (where it stays until its departure on Saturday, 1 February). It is a stunning stage production that ticks all of the good theatre show boxes. Directed by Lucy Bailey, adapted by Ken Ludwig and presented by Fiery Angel, this show promises an unforgettable journey of suspense, deception, and intrigue – and having watched it this evening, it doesn’t disappoint. It is a first-class whodunit, well worth getting a ticket for.
credit Manuel Harlan
Reviewing a whodunit is difficult as you don’t want to reveal critical parts that may give away the murderer, but I am happy to share the basis of the story, for those who may not know this classic Agatha Christie book.
The story is set in the cold winter of 1934, where an avalanche brings the fancy Orient Express to a standstill. A body is found, and with the train stranded in the snow, a killer still on board and the world’s greatest detective on board, Hercule Poirot, sets out to unravel the mystery before the journey can continue.
Brooks
Leading the charge through this twisting tale of murder and misdirection is Michael Maloney, who shines as Hercule Poirot, the moustachioed Belgian detective famous for his razor-sharp intellect (and plenty of humour in this production). Maloney delivers a performance as smooth as a first-class ticket, balancing Poirot’s meticulousness with moments of subtle humanity. He is brilliant and the best casting for Poirot that I could imagine. The supporting cast, including standouts like Bob Barrett (playing Monsieur Bouc), Mila Carter (Countess Elena), and Christine Kavanagh (Helen Hubbard), create a train full of dynamic characters, each with secrets that could derail the investigation.
The tension builds at every stop, with the audience left guessing who might have a motive or an alibi, strong enough to escape Poirot’s piercing gaze. Add in the exquisite set design by Mike Britton, which ingeniously recreates the luxurious yet claustrophobic confines of the train’s first-class carriage, and you feel like you’ve boarded the Orient Express yourself. I especially liked the immersive effect of the steam from the train.
From its gripping opening to its jaw-dropping conclusion (it appears I am no Poirot as I guessed incorrectly), Murder on the Orient Express is a fantastic piece of theatre.
If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie or simply crave a night of playing detective, this production is a must-see. Packed with clever twists and tremendous staging, it’s a murder mystery that’s bound to get your heart racing – and your mind working overtime.
Book tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
If you’re looking to enjoy a meal before the show, ATG have teamed with Albert’s Schloss with a pre-theatre dinner menu.
Or at the moment, if you really want to continue the Murder Mystery theme, Six By Nico have a new menu: Murder On The Midnight Express available from now until 9th March. Join them for a murderously tasty new experience. Where you’ll be the detective in the ultimate whodunnit, where their chefs have crafted a series of thrilling dishes served with a side of clues for you to crack.
“Step aboard the Midnight Express and travel back to the 1930s to join the dots and unravel the mystery. Inspired by classic French cuisine, six delicious courses immerse you in a blood curdling tale of foul play.
A suspense-filled evening to enjoy with friends, or something a little different for date night – each bite will entangle you in a web of deception.”
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the press performance of the show.