Review: Murder on the Orient Express is ‘full of suspense and intrigue, with a brilliant set design’

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is brought vividly to life on stage, staying true to the suspense and intrigue of the iconic novel.

The story follows Hercule Poirot, the brilliant Belgian detective, who finds himself entangled in a murder mystery while travelling back to Scotland Yard aboard the luxurious Orient Express.

When a snowdrift halts the train for three days, Poirot must unravel the crime before the train is freed.

Murder on the Orient Express at The Lowry

The production begins in complete darkness, save for a single spotlight illuminating the centre of the stage.

This minimalist opening draws the audience into the unfolding drama, immersing them in a sense of anticipation. As the lights fade to black, the atmosphere is charged with suspense.

Michael Maloney as Hercule Poirot

Michael Maloney, portraying Hercule Poirot, takes the stage alongside the rest of the cast.

The group skillfully mimics the motions of passengers on a moving train, as Maloney steps forward to address the audience, setting the scene for the mystery to come.

Each character is introduced gradually, and the plot unfolds with carefully measured revelations, keeping the audience intrigued without giving too much away too soon.

Maloney’s portrayal of Poirot is outstanding.

His performance captures the enigmatic essence of the character, with a Belgian accent that never wavers and impeccable comedic timing that injects life into the dialogue.

His stage presence is commanding and authoritative, as required for the role of Poirot, giving the character the gravitas needed to lead the investigation.

Impressive staging

The staging is another highlight of the production, executed with meticulous attention to detail.

Stagehands and cast members collaborate seamlessly in handling props, including the train itself, which is ingeniously designed to break apart into smaller components, allowing for various configurations that creatively set the different scenes.

Mike Britton’s set design enhances the storytelling, making the Orient Express feel both grand and claustrophobic as the murder mystery unfolds.

Lucy Bailey as director

Under Lucy Bailey’s direction, the show is tightly paced and smoothly executed.

The actors move fluidly across the stage, with a keen sense of direction and purpose.

Even when small mishaps occur, the cast handles them with professionalism, allowing these moments to blend naturally into the performance.

The pacing mirrors that of the film adaptation but delves more deeply into the novel’s underlying themes.

Overall, the changes to the show were used well and did not affect the story in any way.

It was a brilliantly executed production with sublime acting and perfect storytelling. Just how Agatha Christie would have liked it.

Tickets for Murder on the Orient Express at The Lowry

Murder on the Orient Express is playing at The Lowry until Saturday the 14th of September and you can book your tickets here