Oooooh la la, what a magnificent performance!
J’adore Lucy Bailey’s portrayal of Agatha Christie’s renowned murder mystery ‘Death on the Nile’, a truly nail biting and explosive narrative well told, by none other than Hercule Poirot himself (Mark Hadfield). The famous who done it on stage, lived up to its beloved reputation and more, despite the familiarity of the story the anticipation and action still swallow you whole, slowly and then all at once, the same way that the moon encapsulates that last bit of sunlight at sunset.
Lucy Bailey’s take, stays both quintessentially Agatha Christie and humble, unravelling the murder case but at the same time humouring the audience with the obviousness of the plot.
Mark Hadfield playing Monsieur Poirot fascinated the audience in fits of laughter with his sarcasm and charisma. Himself and Colonel Race played by Bob Barrett are quite the double act, simply the dynamic duo you never knew you needed, their on-stage chemistry was exceptionally addictive and the soul of the show.
Although Christie’s stories have been told multiple times before, to experience the show on stage is an extraordinary way to escape everyday life. Bailey really captured the essence of the murder mystery and had the audience in a chokehold, whether you know the plot or not, this show is a testament to what true, traditional theatre is all about.
Reviewer: Phoebe Hobson
Reviewed: 3rd March 2026
North West End UK Rating: