Ad disclosure: We were provided with press tickets for the purpose of this post.
I first encountered Death on the Nile as a teen, reading my way through my parents’ stash of Agatha Christie novels. Since then, I’ve seen a couple of TV and film adaptations of one of Poirot’s most famous mysteries, but this is the first time I’ve experienced Ken Ludwig’s stage version, currently playing at the Alexandra in Birmingham.
First published in 1937, Death on the Nile tells a story of love, betrayal, jealousy and – of course – murder. A fair few liberties are taken with the original material in this new stage adaptation, with fewer (and altered) characters, some storyline changes, and a new opening to set the scene. The core of the story remains intact, with the central crime staying true to the novel, but many of the side plots are tweaked or removed entirely. Of course, this kind of streamlining is necessary to fit a full novel into a two-hour stage performance – and it’s been handled well here.
This entertaining version begins a few months before the famous trip down the Nile, with Poirot observing two lovers in the street and introducing the audience to the tale about to unfold. A scene in the British Museum neatly introduces the key players in this whodunnit, before we jump forward to the cruise itself and the story really gets going.
The cast were fantastic. Mark Hadfield’s portrayal of the moustachioed detective Hercule Poirot was a particular standout. It can’t be easy stepping into those shoes, especially as anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery will likely have David Suchet’s definitive take on the character in mind. Libby Alexandra-Cooper, in her professional debut as heiress Linnet Ridgeway, delivered a very creditable performance as the increasingly paranoid central figure.
There were a few moments that felt a little too ‘hammy’, but as they were spaced out, they kept the audience laughing and stopped the atmosphere from becoming too grim. Poirot himself was full of wry humour, and the cast of eccentric characters kept things consistently entertaining.
Before the show began, I couldn’t quite remember ‘whodunnit’ – and didn’t want to spoil things by revisiting the plot – but by the interval I had twigged what was going on. That didn’t diminish my enjoyment at all, particularly as so many of the side plots and characters differ from the original material, which kept me guessing about how things would play out for everyone else. I loved the (of course, necessary) gathering of suspects at the end for Poirot’s grand reveal. The production even pokes a little fun at the trope before delivering it in style, with characters acting out key moments as Poirot explains what his ‘little grey cells’ have uncovered.
The staging felt a bit mixed. The large set pieces, which split the stage across two levels, worked well in allowing characters to eavesdrop on conversations happening on different parts of the ship. Sliding slatted panels enabled swift scene changes between cabins and deck, while clever lighting created some wonderfully atmospheric moments, with figures looming in the background. That said, it all felt quite dark at times, lending a slightly dingy feel – not quite evoking the glamour of a luxury river cruise in sunny Egypt.
The costumes, however, were absolutely stunning. Gorgeous fabrics, colours and accessories brought the characters to life and added a much-needed sense of glamour to the production.
Overall, this is an entertaining – and at times genuinely funny – adaptation of a classic tale. The audience were clearly enjoying themselves, and it’s easy to see why. While it may not capture all the sun-soaked splendour you might expect from a Nile cruise, it delivers where it matters: strong performances, a compelling central mystery, and plenty of theatrical flair. A stylish and engaging evening at the theatre – well deserving of a solid four-star rating.
Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile is on at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 11th April, before continuing its UK tour through April and May. The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.
