Based on the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, Murder On The Orient Express brings mystery, intrigue and humour to The Alexandra stage.
Christie is well established as the queen of the crime genre, having written some of the most well received detective novels ever. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are two of the most recognisable names in the field and it's the former who heads up the case this evening.
Set in Winter 1934, an avalanche stops The Orient Express dead in its tracks. That's closely followed by a murder and a train full of suspects in what is seemingly an impossible case. The train, and its passengers, are trapped in the snow with a killer still on-board...can the world’s most famous detective crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?
Murder On The Orient Express showcases a story first published in the 1930s but brings a fresh take to telling the tale. And the first thing to commend is the mind blowing set design. It would have been so easy to improvise carriage space on an empty stage, however Mike Britton's set design incorporates a revolve and a scaled down train carriage which really adds a sense of context to what you're watching.
Michael Maloney heads up the cast as Poirot - a part that could quite easily have been written for him. Slipping into the character with apparent ease, Maloney brings years of experience to create a beautiful version of the detective which is notably different from other interpretations, filled with a perfect blend of warmth and quick witted humour, it's a joy to watch.
Honourable mention goes to Debbie Chazen who has putdowns down to a tee as Princess Dragomiroff. Mixing class with sarcasm, her timing and delivery is beautiful and brings much needed humour to an intense piece.
Murder On The Orient Express is a great piece of theatre. Whilst it's definitely a feast for the eyes, it doesn't overplay its part. Evoking more than a passing feeling of the TV drama's we know and love, the production is a perfect blend of everything you hope for.
Murder On The Orient Express plays at The Alexandra until Saturday 1st February. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit atgtickets.com/birmingham.
