What a ride! One of Agatha Christie’s most famous novels is brought stylishly to life in this new touring production of Murder On The Orient Express.
At its heart is Michael Maloney’s perfect portrayal of Poirot, seamlessly melding the serious and comic sides of Christie’s creation. He is captivating to watch and a brilliant anchor for the whole play.
The ensemble cast also largely impresses, particularly Christine Cavanagh as multiple divorcee with a talent for wise cracks Helen Hubbard; Iniki Mariano bringing inner steel to governess and secret romantic Mary Debenham; and Mila Carter as the delightful but deceitful Countess Elena, showing how accents are done.
Ken Ludwig’s script makes some minor tweaks to Christie’s story – mostly to reduce the character count – but his altered denouement does make more of an impact on how we ultimately view Poirot, placing him at the centre of a tricky dilemma.
The staging is stylish, with Mike Britton’s design featuring rotating train carriages, splitting and re-arranging to transport us from bedroom to dining car to radio room. The transitions are occasionally clumsy, however, and the use of projections above the set – though restrained – make the carriages seem small, rather than driving the potentially tension-ratcheting claustrophobia that a tighter focus might elicit.
Stage management aside the piece is beautifully paced with a deliciously balanced equilibrium between Christie’s caustic wit and her dark materials, with Lucy Bailey’s direction ensuring the drama never becomes melodramatic. It’s a smart story told incredibly well.
It departs Norwich in just a few days. Time to get your tickets.
- Murder On The Orient Express continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 21 April 2024, then touring nationally including Cambridge Arts Theatre, 29 October – 2 November
