I had the absolute delight of seeing Murder on the Orient Express at The Alexandra in Birmingham last night, and I just have to share how much I enjoyed it. I’ve always loved a good mystery, and Agatha Christie’s work is timeless, so I was curious to see how this classic story would come to life on stage. Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, it did not disappoint.
The performances were just brilliant. Michael Maloney playing Hercule Poirot was spot-on. He had the perfect accent and mannerisms, capturing Poirot’s quirky charm and wit. And the rest of the cast were equally fantastic. Each character was so distinct and brought their own layer of intrigue to the story. You couldn’t help but suspect everyone at one point or another!
There were a few scenes that had the audience laughing, which gave us a bit of a breather before diving back into the twists and turns of the mystery. It kept the energy alive and made the big reveal at the end even more exciting. Even though I thought I knew what was coming (I’ve read the book), seeing it unfold live was such a thrill.
The atmosphere in the theatre added so much to the experience. There were moments when you could feel everyone holding their breath, completely caught up in the story. And when the final bow came, the enthusiastic applause was well-deserved – it was clear everyone had a wonderful time.
If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, or even if you just enjoy a good night at the theatre, I’d highly recommend catching this production. Murder on the Orient Express is such a classic tale, and this version does it justice in every way.
So, if you’re thinking about it, don’t hesitate. Treat yourself to a night of mystery, glamour, and brilliant storytelling.
By Ashley Watson
Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops The Orient Express dead in its tracks. A murder. A train full of suspects. An impossible case. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on-board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?
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.
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 Matt Weyland, Jasmine Raymond and Beth Tuckey.
Following a sell-out tour of the best-selling crime novel of all time, And Then There Were None, Fiery Angel and Lucy Bailey (Director of West End Witness For The Prosecution) will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of another Agatha Christie classic to the stage in 2025.
Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes incl. interval
Tue – Sat at 19:30
Wed, Thu, and Sat at 14:30
Age guidance: 12+ parental guidance