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MOTOE

Murder on the Orient Express
Milton Keynes Theatre
Review Complete

“A Captivating Journey of Suspense”
25th February 2025
Review
The UK touring production of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit, ‘Murder on the Orient Express,’ chugged into platform 1 of the Milton Keynes Theatre. This production was adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig and what a fine job he did. The play took us the audience on a thrilling ride filled with intrigue, suspense, and a masterful ensemble cast that breathed new life into this timeless tale. Directed with flair by Lucy Bailey, along with set design by Mike Britton, sound by Mic Pool and Lighting by Oliver Fenwick, this production seamlessly blends dramatic tension with moments of levity, creating an experience that keeps us on the edge of their seats.

The story followed the illustrious detective Hercule Poirot, portrayed with charm and wit by the talented Michael Maloney. Maloney’s portrayal was nothing short of captivating, showcasing Poirot’s meticulous nature and sharp intellect as he navigated the complex web of personalities aboard the luxurious train ‘The Orient Express’. His performance was complemented by a strong supporting cast, each bringing their character to life in a way that added depth to the narrative.

Among the passengers are the enigmatic Princess Dragomiroff, played with regal poise by Debbie Chazen, and the glamorous American actress, Helen Hubbard, portrayed by the delightful Christie Kavanagh. Their performances were both engaging and layered, adding to the rich tapestry of characters that Poirot had to sift through to uncover the truth. Also in the cast was Countess Elena played by Mila Carter, The brilliant Bob Barrett played the trains owner Monsieur Bouc, he who is not sure when it come to acting in an Agathe Christie murder mystery. He appeared at Milton Keynes theatre in “And then there was none” a few years back. Michel the train guard was played by Jean Baptiste Fillon, Greta Ohisson, the missionary was played by Rebecca Charles. Hector MacQueen was played by Paul Keating, Mary Debenham by Iniko Mariano and Alex played the Headwaiter. Also, ensemble and understudy actors were Jasmine Raymond, Beth Tuckey and Matt Weyland. What a cast!
 
Another standout character was the imposing Samuel Ratchett, played by the charismatic Simon Cotton. Ratchett’s mysterious backstory sets the stage for the unfolding drama, and Cotton delivers a performance that is as intriguing as it is unsettling. The tension escalates as Poirot interacts with the various suspects, including the commanding Colonel, portrayed by the charming Rishi Rian, and the seemingly innocent governess, Miss Mary Debenham, played by the talented and captivating Iniko Mariano.
 
The production’s design deserves special mention, with the opulent set and period costumes immersing the audience in the 1930s atmosphere of the Orient Express. The train itself becomes a character in its own right, serving as both a luxurious setting and a claustrophobic environment that heightens the suspense. The carriages moved effortlessly around the stage and through clever design involved us as fellow travelling companions. The clever use of lighting and sound enhanced the mood, drawing us the audience deeper into the mystery.

While the pacing was generally well-maintained, there were moments where some of the diction got lost with Poirot’s accent and sometimes there seemed a need to shout for some reason I wasn’t sure why. It was also playing on a big stage at Milton Keynes, so some of the tension did get a little lost. I am sure it will be much better in smaller theatres on its UK Tour. These did slightly detract from the overall momentum of the story. However, the strength of the performances and the gripping narrative ultimately outweigh these minor pacing issues. The first act is a slow burn, but once the murder was committed the train whistled down to path to finding the murderer??

As the tension mounted and Poirot’s deductions lead to the dramatic climax, the production masterfully reveals the intricacies of each character’s motive, leaving the audience in awe of Christie’s brilliant plotting. The resolution was both satisfying and thought-provoking, prompting discussions long after the curtain fell.

In conclusion, the UK touring production of ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is a thoroughly enjoyable experience that showcases the brilliance of Agatha Christie’s storytelling and the exceptional talent of its cast. With a perfect blend of mystery, drama, and humour, this production is sure to entertain both die-hard fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Grab your tickets and prepare for a journey filled with twists and turns that you won’t soon forget!
Reviewing passenger:  Mark Bilsby

We are Gifted tickets so that in return we may give an honest review. All comments are those of the reviewer and theirs alone.
Greasepaint and Stage Lights

Email: musicals@btinternet.com
website: www.greasepaintandstagelights.co.uk
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