Written by Bella for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are our own

There’s always something really comforting about an Agatha Christie whodunnit, and Death on the Nile at the Theatre Royal Nottingham delivers just what you expect from the queen of suspense, but with a glossy, theatrical polish that makes it feel fresh for a modern audience.

It also feels very much like a continuation of last year’s hugely successful production of Murder on the Orient Express. Where last year’s production delivered snowbound tension and intrigue, this year the action shifts to sun-drenched luxury on the Nile.

This brand-new adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic is not to be missed. From the moment the curtain rises, we’re transported into a world of wealth, glamour and simmering tension. The setting is a luxury Nile cruise, but don’t be fooled by the sunshine and sophistication – beneath the surface, jealousy, obsession and betrayal are already quietly unravelling.

At the centre of it all is everyone’s favourite Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, played by Mark Hadfield with a lovely balance of charm, intellect and understated humour. He anchors the production beautifully, as he guides us through all the twists and turns with his trademark precision whilst never losing the human touch that makes him so enduringly watchable.

Also adding to the humour is Colonel Race played by Bob Barrett, and Salome Otterbourne, played by Glynis Barbour of Dempsey and Makepeace fame from the 1980’s.

The story itself, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, moves on quickly, keeping pace without losing the famous Christie intrigue. The love triangle between Linnet Ridgeway, (Libby Alexandra-Cooper), Simon Doyle (Nye Occomore) and Jacqueline de Bellefort (Esme Hough) serves as the driving force of the story, with this adaptation capturing both the passion and bitterness that propel the plot forward.

Visually, the show is a real treat. The staging cleverly shifts between the opulence of the ship’s social spaces to a more intense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere as the story tightens.

Lighting by Oliver Fenwick, and sound by Mic Pool is first class and does an excellent job in reminding us that there’s nowhere to escape once the mystery takes hold.

What works particularly well is the sense of momentum. Even if you know the story, you can still enjoy watching it unfold right in front of your eyes. The gradual heightening of suspicion keeps you engaged right up to the final reveal.

This adaptation does condense some of Christie’s more intricate plot lines, which may leave purists missing a few layers of detail, but in return, you get a more theatre-friendly version that moves on rapidly.

Overall, Death on the Nile at the Theatre Royal Nottingham is an elegant, entertaining evening out – it’s a classic murder mystery brought to life with style, atmosphere and just the right amount of suspense. It’s perfect for Agatha Christie fans and will be equally enjoyable for anyone who just loves a gripping, well-told story.

Death on the Nile continues its UK and Ireland tour through to the end of May.

★★★★

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