Step Behind The Stage
Murder On The Orient Express
The Arts Theatre, Cambridge - 02/11/24
Review by Alex King
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
Murder on the Orient Express is arguably Agatha Christie’s most famous mystery, so it is surprising that it was only first adapted for the stage in 2017. Now, Ken Ludwig’s adaptation is touring the UK and Ireland in a stylish and atmospheric production. When I sat down, I was expecting a classic story to be told in a fairly simple fashion, but was pleasantly surprised by the interesting and artistic direction from Lucy Bailey, which incorporated movement from Leah Hausman to enhance the atmosphere of a freezing 1934 winter.
The star of the show is, of course, Hercule Poirot, the greatest detective in the world… probably. He is portrayed as a compassionate and humble showman by Michael Maloney, who makes sure Poirot’s intelligence and skill are never in doubt, but without ever making him feel above those around him. Maloney delivers Poirot’s musings with a sincere thoughtfulness that draws you in from the moment he steps on stage. Likewise, at the climax of the show, Poirot’s revealing monologue is performed in a deeply satisfying manner, whether you know the story already or not.
Those familiar with the original novel may be surprised to see a number of deviations from the source material, with the most significant being the reduction of passengers from twelve to eight. Despite this, the story never feels emptier or lacking, and with certain characteristics absorbed into other roles, nothing ever feels omitted or ignored.
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
As for the passengers themselves, the cast is made up of a strong ensemble including Bob Barrett, Mila Carter, Debbie Chazen, Rebecca Charles, Simon Cotton, Jean-Baptiste Fillon, Christine Kavanagh, Paul Keating, Iniki Mariano, and Rishi Rian, who all complement each other brilliantly and each get their moment at the front of the story. Bob Barrett and Rebecca Charles in particular provide some of the lighter comedic moments within the play. Rounding out the cast are Alex Stedman, Antony Gabriel, Jasmine Raymond, and Beth Tuckey, all of whom play their part in bringing this mystery to life.
Of course, one of the most important elements of Murder on the Orient Express is the train itself, which was brought to the stage beautifully by Mike Britton, Oliver Fenwick, Mic Pool, and the wider creative team. Through the use of a revolving stage, the audience is treated to an impressive carriage design that transforms between corridors and compartments, while also opening out to reveal the larger rooms of the famous locomotive. Touring productions can sometimes feel limited, especially in smaller theatres, but here the creative team delivered a truly immersive experience, with the train becoming a character in its own right.
As the nights draw in and winter becomes more present, Murder on the Orient Express is a fitting way to spend an evening, offering a cosy and mysterious night at the theatre.
Cast on the Night:
Michael Maloney – Hercule Poirot
Bob Barrett – Monsieur Bouc
Mila Carter – Countess Elena Andrenyi
Debbie Chazen – Princess Dragomiroff
Rebecca Charles – Greta Ohlsson
Simon Cotton – Samuel Ratchett
Jean-Baptiste Fillon – Michel
Christine Kavanagh – Helen Hubbard
Paul Keating – Hector MacQueen
Iniki Mariano – Mary Debenham
Rishi Rian – The Colonel
Alex Stedman – Head Waiter
Antony Gabriel – Ensemble
Jasmine Raymond – Ensemble
Beth Tuckey – Ensemble