Murder on Air at the Theatre Royal Brighton Review
Murder on Air
Theatre Royal, Brighton
1-6 September 2014
Reviewed by Meresa Bergin
Unfamiliar with Agatha Christie’s work besides Poirot, which I loved when it was on television, I was unsure of what I was in for in terms of the play.
When we arrived the stage was already set like an old radio station which I found quaint and old school. Tom Conti was already on stage and was interacting with the audience fantastically getting them in the mood for the show. The rest of the cast soon joined him, taking place to begin the show.
I loved the way they were dressed, very in keeping with the times the plays were originally set in the 1930s.The cast had wonderful chemistry and this really showed, Alexander S Bermange was outstanding at keeping his sound effects in line with the plays as they were told and provided many an amusing moments.
The play has three smaller plays Personal call, The Yellow Iris and Butter in a Lordly Dish which is in the second part, I do not want to spoil it for you but all three stories revolve around murder!
All the plays were amazing within themselves but The Yellow Iris was the standout for me, Elizabeth Payne was a delight to the eye and ear with her fantastic Cuban accent and had us in fits of laughter. Also Tom Conti was remarkable as Hercule Poirot, he had him down to a fine art and it felt an honour to watch him.
I was unsure how well it would work to see on stage something that was meant for radio but it was flawless, it enhanced you into believing you had been whisked back in time and you were listening to it on the radio with a nice glass of sherry and the fire warming your toes.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on Air is unlike anything I have ever had the pleasure of seeing before and I will be looking out for more from the Agatha Christie Theatre Company in the future.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £11.90 to £27.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Agatha Christie’s Murder on Air is at the Theatre Royal, Brighton until Saturday 6 September 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.
Theatre Royal. New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD | 0844 871 7650
