Trains, tension and covered tracks!
As Agatha Christie’s 1934, now famous novel steamed into the Sheffield Lyceum this week and it’s all aboard the Orient Express. Adapted by Ken Ludwig for the stage, this is the premier UK tour after its US launch in 2017. Directed by Lucy Bailey we travel with Christie’s famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot on the luxurious Orient Express in the Winter of 1934, as he makes his way back to England. The journey is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift and an American Tycoon is found violently murdered in his cabin, with the door locked from the inside. A myriad of suspects happen to adorn the first class carriages. Using his ‘little grey cells’ and forensic evidence, Poirot must solve his most difficult crime but, there is more at stake than just the black and white letter of the law. This is the only case in Poirot’s career that also challenges his empathy and sentimentality. Juxtaposed with comedic moments amongst the profoundly dark subject matter the play delivers a balance of tone that is not easy to achieve. How far will humans go in pursuit of vengeance?
The used of projection/video by Ian William Galloway at the production’s opening adds effective detail to the little explored mentions in Christie’s novel, and with a monologue by Poirot himself explaining why this case haunts him, we are thrust into the steamy, seductive and nostalgic journey. Meeting the characters on the platform does however take time and this becomes a little clumsy, with stereotypical characters rather than detailed characterisations we need. The 3D set design by Mike Britton is amazing with a revolve stage and both the interior cabins and outer corridors of the train inviting the audience to ride along with the cast. These are huge pieces of set and because of this the movement of them are sometimes a hindrance, but their worth overrides this. The Lighting design by Oliver Fenwick is wondrous and creates all the atmospherics needed… the overpowering tension in the finale is as much thanks to the lighting as to the excellent performances.
Michael Maloney, with a fleeting flash of previous actors in the role, makes Hercule Poirot his own. We like him but are also distinctly aware of his idiosyncrasies. Maloney delivers a strong performance with much depth and vigour. However, it is the rest of the characters that become more vague and we know little depth or detail… purposely so? Bob Barrett as Monsieur Bouc, friend and managing director of the train is a much more superficial character, more concerned with the effect a murder on his train will create. This characterisation heightens the opposing doggedness of Poirot. Mila Carter as Countess Elena Andrenyi and Paul Keating as Hector McQueen give fine performances and become prime suspects. Debbie Chazen as Princess Dragomiroff has some comedic moments and is an interesting and aesthetic character. Whilst Greta Ohlsson (Rebecca Charles) is very much a characture of broken English with the occasional rant and scream. Michel, the train conductor played by Jean-Baptise Fillon is paramount to the script and is effective in the unnoticed role. Rishi Rian as the Colonol and Iniki Mariano as Mary Debenham get their moment to tell their story in the second act. Simon Votton gives an obnoxious performance as the murdered Simon Rackett. The most interesting character amongst the train passengers in Christine Kavanagh’s Helen Hubbard and she is the last person you would like to be stuck in a snowdrift with, extremely irritating but no the less amusing to observe. The additional cast of Alex Steadman, Jasmine Raymond, Beth Tuckey and Matt Weyland provide the muscle behind the set rotation and incidentals.
As an avid fan of Christie’s novels, I appreciated the differences in this adaptation and really enjoyed the ride. The tension gathered speed and was almost tangible towards the finale and even though I knew the conclusion, it was fascinating to see it brought to life in 3D rather than in my own imagination. Agatha Christie’s Murder on The Orient Express is at the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 8th February and is well worth a trip. All aboard for a night of nostalgia, ethical dilemmas and steam!
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 5th February 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
