With a passion for trains and a love of a good mystery, Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at Hall for Cornwall was a must-see event for me.
On Tuesday evening, my friend and I took our places in the full auditorium. The start of the performance was marked by a sudden darkening of the house lights and the introduction of the cast with the sound and picture of a little girl screaming.
This unsettling start quickly gives way to the introduction of an incredible cast. Michael Maloney shines as Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, his performance capturing the character's iconic blend of brilliance and quirky charm.
As the passengers board, the Orient Express—their individual stories hinted at in brief, intriguing introductions—the audience is transported to the luxury train, hurtling through the snowy landscapes of 1934.
The ensemble cast is uniformly excellent, with each performer bringing a unique dimension to their character.
Debbie Chazen's regal portrayal of Princess Dragomiroff is a particular highlight, while Rebecca Charles delivers a stellar performance as Greta Ohlsson. Simon Cotton's portrayal of the arrogant Samuel Ratchett is both chilling and compelling, perfectly showing the disliked tycoon.
The supporting cast—including Jean Baptise Fillon as Michel, Paul Keating as Hector Macqueen, Christine Kavanagh as Helen Hubbard, Iniki Mariano as Mary Debenham, Rishi Rian as The Colonel, and Mila Carter as Countess Elena Adreyni—all contribute to the rich tapestry of suspects.
The murder of one main character discovered with eight stab wounds, throws the passengers into a state of shock and suspicion, igniting the central mystery.
Poirot's investigation unfolds with interrogation revealing conflicting alibis and hidden resentments.
The play expertly builds tension, as the audience is privy to each suspect's secrets and motives, while Poirot masterfully unravels the complex web of deceit.
The discovery of a burnt note, linking the past and the present day, further escalates the drama.
The production delivers moments of suspense with unexpected flashes of humour, incorporating witty dialogue and comedic physicality that prevents the narrative from becoming overly sombre.
I for one was thoroughly misled throughout the investigation and was completely shocked with the outcome.
I was particularly impressed by the innovative staging, utilising separate train carriages that shifted between scenes.
Murder on the Orient Express at Hall for Cornwall runs until Saturday, November 23, with additional matinees at 2.30pm on Thursday (November 21) and Saturday (November 23).
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