Murder on the Orient Express at Festival Theatre Edinburgh Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lynsey
Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Lucy Bailey, is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic mystery. Based on the iconic 1930s novel and the 1970s movie, the play sticks to the original storyline while adding a little bit of modern flair. Set aboard the luxurious Orient Express, we follow the world renowned Belgian detective -Hercule Poirot, as he plans to take a short holiday aboard the elegant train. But when the train is stopped by a snowdrift and a body is found, Poirot must solve the case before the next stop. As he begins to delve into who the victim is and investigate his fellow passenger, their pasts and secrets are revealed. And the question of who could have committed the murder is far from obvious.
As a fan of Poirot, I wasn’t disappointed. The whole production felt very much like the classic tale. With the elegant train setting, to the strange Belgium detective, to the noritic and mysterious passengers. And although I knew the plot I was still captivated by the story and performances.
The cast do a great job bringing the various quirky international characters to life. Michael Maloney is fantastic as Poirot, nailing his odd little mannerisms and sharp intellect. He’s both charming and a bit eccentric, exactly what you’d expect from the famous detective. The interactions with Poirot are fun to watch, keeping the audience guessing as the mystery unfolds. Jumping from dramatic to comical very easily.
One of the standout elements of this production is the incredible stage design. It gives the impression of authenticity, and helps you feel you really are watching the characters in a train. The way the compartments open up and move between scenes is really clever and adds to the overall sense of movement. The costumes are also spot-on, perfectly capturing the 1930s style without distracting from the story.
The Festival Theatre is a great venue. It’s spacious, clean, and modern, with plenty of places to grab a drink or snack before the show or during the interval. The multiple bars and a café make it easy to relax and socialise without feeling rushed. Located in the city centre, it’s convenient to get to with public transport, and while parking nearby can sometimes be a bit tricky, there’s enough around to make it manageable. The staff are also always friendly and helpful.
The play is running from Tue 22 to Sat 26 Oct 2024. Evenings 7.30pm / Matinees 2.30pm. Tickets are £25 upwards and can be purchased from Capital Theatres.
Overall, I really enjoyed this production of Murder on the Orient Express. The play struck a great balance between suspense and humour, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout. If you love a good whodunnit with a touch of comedy, this one is worth checking out. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone and give the night a 5 out of 5.
Rating: 5/5
Wed 23 to Sat 26 Oct 2024 Tickets from £22.50*
https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/murder-on-the-orient-express/2309#