Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall – until 23 November 2024
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
4****
Murder on the Orient Express is a stylish, seductive, quality production of a much-loved work that has been beautifully adapted for a new generation of fans.
Ken Ludwig’s new adaption of the Agatha Christie classic ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ brings beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot to the Hall for Cornwall!
First published in 1934, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ continues to be one of Christie’s most popular novels 90 years later. Colourful characters stuck aboard an elegant train in a snow drift with a violently murdered corpse and no means of escape, is just as thrilling a premise now as it was then.
Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops the Orient Express in its tracks. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on board, can the world’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?
The production was brought to life with three stunning 3D train carriages donned in full Edwardian décor. With a revolving stage and a few tables for breakaway scenes and clever use of an overhead screen to portray elements like snowdrift weather and even wheels chugging along the tracks, much like the plot, it always felt like things were on the move. The costumes were exquisite, and every inch of the stage is lit with pinpoint precision. So much thought has been put into drawing the audience into the heart of the play; I didn’t look away for a second. Twinned with excellent use of music and sound effects from the start building suspense of what is about to unfold.
The entire supporting cast was wonderful, Bob Barrett’s energy as Monsieur Bouc and the permanently frantic Greta Ohlsson, done so well by Rebecca Charles. While Simon Cottons’ abhorrent ‘businessman’ Samuel Ratchett makes for the ideal antagonist – but Michael Maloney is masterful as Poirot. Joining them are other engaging performances from Mila Carter and Christine Kavanagh as Countess Elena Andrenyi and Helen Hubbard – two of the more prominent suspects in the murder of Ratchett. More withdrawn initially, Iniki Mariano and Rishi Rian get their powerful moments in the second act – both with a more involved presence, tapping into the story’s painful and brutal elements, often forgotten.
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is a stylish, seductive, quality production of a much-loved work that has been beautifully adapted for a new generation of fans. It’s a wonderful example of how to successfully transfer an established book to the stage. I would highly recommend going to see this intriguing and intense play, a fabulous night out for all Agatha Christie or theatre lovers, those who know the story and who are going in blind alike.