Murder on the Orient Express – Festival Theatre

On the 22nd of October, Edinburgh Festival Theatre played host to an adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s most beloved mysteries: Murder on the Orient Express. This new production, directed by Lucy Bailey and starring Michael Maloney as Hercule Poirot, promises to be a thrilling and immersive experience for fans of classic crime drama and theatre alike.

Set in the winter of 1934, the story unfolds on the luxurious Orient Express after it finds itself trapped by an avalanche in the snowy Balkans. With the train at a standstill and a murder on board, Poirot must solve the mystery before the train resumes its journey—and before the killer strikes again. The ensemble cast includes Bob Barrett, Mila Carter, Rebecca Charles, Debbie Chazen, Simon Cotton, and more. Based on Christie’s own travels on the Orient Express, the characters portray a diverse group of international passengers, ranging from an eccentric Russian princess to a boisterous American socialite.

This adaptation, penned by playwright Ken Ludwig, breathes new life into Christie’s iconic tale and offers a streamlined yet richly layered version of the novel, which has been adapted many times before, including two films, a video game and numerous TV shows. While some characters have been trimmed down or merged, the nature of the mystery remains fully intact, and it’s highlighted by the play’s careful attention to detail and the moral dilemmas at its core. Something Bailey does brilliantly is adding humour and suspense to keep even those familiar with the story on their toes.

What really sets this production apart is its design. The set is a masterpiece of stagecraft, capturing the opulence and movement of the train in ways that are both impressive and fluid. The art deco elegance of the train’s interiors contrasts with the wintry desolation outside. The way the train seems to glide and shudder as it makes its way across the stage is a feat of ingenuity.

But this production is more than just a visual treat. The true heart of the play lies in Michael Maloney’s Hercule Poirot. Maloney offers a masterclass in portraying the famous detective, balancing Poirot’s eccentricities with a deeply human core. In his portrayal of Poirot, he avoids the pitfalls of caricature and opts instead for a nuanced, layered performance. Poirot’s precision, his fussy nature, and his dedication to the truth all come to life on the stage as he draws closer to uncovering the truth in which is very own human compass is put to test.

The supporting cast also delivers memorable performance with Bob Barret as Monsieur Bouc, Poirot’s friend and the train, Christine Kavanagh as Mrs Hubbard, Debbie Chazen as Princess Dragomiroff and Mila Carter as charming but secretive Countess Elena Andrenyi. Together, the cast forms a compelling ensemble by each character adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding mystery.

As the play reaches its end, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a murder mystery; what we are witnessing is a meditation on revenge, justice and morality. Without giving too much away, the solution to the murder leaves both Poirot and the audience grappling with ethical questions that resonate long after the curtain falls.

Murder on the Orient Express at Edinburgh Festival Theatre will delight both die-hard Christie fans and newcomers to her work. It’s a visually stunning, emotionally engaging production that perfectly captures the spirit of the original novel while offering something fresh and new.

Reviewer: Nazaret Ranea

Reviewed: 22nd October 2024

North West End UK Rating: