ll aboard for a journey of intrigue, mystery, and murder! Murder on the Orient Express is making a thrilling stop at New Theatre Cardiff, delivering a stylish, first-class experience adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lucy Bailey. Running from 4th – 8th March 2025, this is a must-see production for Agatha Christie fans and lovers of classic whodunnits alike.
A Timeless Tale of Suspense
Set in 1934, the play captures the opulence of the famed Orient Express, with breathtaking art deco splendour and lavish costumes that transport you straight to the golden age of travel. The stage design is nothing short of genius—panelled wooden doors seamlessly transform scenes, taking the audience from narrow train corridors to intimate sleeping compartments with ease. The evocative 1930s-inspired soundtrack further enhances the immersive experience.
The Queen of Crime’s Legendary Mystery
Agatha Christie, the undisputed Queen of Crime, drew inspiration from her own travels aboard the Orient Express, observing the diverse personalities of her fellow passengers—some of whom became the very characters in this legendary tale. First published in 1934, the novel inspired the hit 1974 film adaptation, and this latest stage production does not disappoint.
The play opens with a spine-tingling station scene, moody lighting, and a wisp of smoke capturing the essence of a grand departure. But the luxury of the journey is soon shattered when the train becomes snowbound, halted by an avalanche. Trapped aboard is the renowned detective Hercule Poirot, played masterfully by Michael Maloney (Belfast, Truly Madly Deeply, Dalgliesh), who finds himself in the middle of a shocking murder mystery. With a train full of suspects and a killer still at large, Poirot must unravel the clues before the train reaches its final destination.
A Stellar Cast & Production Team
The production boasts a phenomenal ensemble cast:
- Bob Barrett (Holby City, Casualty, Father Brown) as Monsieur Bouc
- Debbie Chazen (Sherlock, Doctor Who, Midsomer Murders) as Princess Dragomiroff
- Mila Carter as Countess Elena Andrenyi
- Rebecca Charles as Greta Ohlsson
- Simon Cotton as Samuel Ratchett
- Jean-Baptiste Fillon as Michel
- Christine Kavanagh as Helen Hubbard
- Paul Keating as Hector MacQueen
- Inki Mariano as Mary Debenham
- Rishi Rian as the Colonel
- Alex Steadman as the Head Waiter
With Mike Britton handling the exquisite set design, Mic Pool on sound, and Sarah Holland overseeing the stunning costumes, every detail of this production exudes authenticity and style.
A Riveting Theatrical Experience
The tension grips you from the start, with clever moments of humour sprinkled throughout to balance the suspense. The audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster, moving between laughter, tension, and finally, the jaw-dropping reveal. Poirot’s moral dilemma in the finale adds an extra layer of depth to this already gripping tale.
Key Information:
- Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including an interval)
- Captioned performance: Wednesday, 7:30 PM
- Audio-described performance: Saturday, 2:30 PM
- Age guidance: 12+ (Parental guidance advised)
- Ticket prices: £27.00 – £49.00
Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the best touring theatre productions of 2025! Secure your seat for a first-class mystery at New Theatre Cardiff.
For more details and to book tickets, visit: Trafalgar Tickets.
