Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express is a quintessential ‘whodunnit’, featuring the beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Adapted by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lucy Bailey, the murder-mystery play has pulled into Norwich Theatre Royal on its latest UK tour. The audience arrived to find a dark and atmospheric stage, eager to see how the famous train would be brought to life.
The cast of Murder on the Orient Express (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre) But first we must meet Poirot, played by Michael Maloney (Belfast, The Crown and Young Victoria). While holidaying in Istanbul, the detective is unexpectedly called to Scotland Yard on urgent business. Luckily, his friend runs the Orient Express and offers him a ride to London in first class.
But caught in a snow drift, a dead body is found onboard and he must crack the case before the snow is cleared. The train's design is very impressive (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre) Maloney's portrayal of Poirot is funny and charismatic and he nails all the famous traits of the Belgian sleuth. READ MORE: The Book of Mormon announces return to Norwich Despite some over-the-top accents, the cast are confident and interact well on stage with one another - and whoever designed their costumes did a fantastic job.
The train itself is both clever and beautiful - it can be split into smaller compartments and rotated around. However, manoeuvring the impressive prop between scenes meant the transitions took longer than they shou.