Death on the Nile, UK tour 2026.
Death on the Nile. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
A new stage production of the famous novel by the queen of the murder mystery – Agatha Christie – which has been brilliantly adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig.
The story finds the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Mark Hadfield) on board a cruise along The Nile. On it there is an ancient mummy case which is being transported back to Egypt after being exhibited in London.
There are various other guests on the cruise including a newlywed couple, a jilted fiancé, and a kleptomaniac actress (played by Glynis Barber). They’re all there for a reason, and all there to arouse suspicion because there is of course also a murder.
No spoilers of course but the piece slowly builds up to the inevitable, which perfectly takes place at the end of act 1 so the audience can start to guess “whodunnit”.
Act 2 is the investigation, and of course where Poirot comes into his own. There is a lovely moment where the obligatory gathering of suspects is poked fun at. It’s the best bit though right?
The characters are all wonderful and all the actors play them to perfection. The whole thing is played to perfection. A stand out performance was Bob Barrett as Colonel Race. He provided some wonderful comedic moments, and alongside Poirot they got some huge laughs from the audience.
It’s styled beautifully and costumed beautifully. The two-levelled set (designed by Mike Britton) is extremely effective allowing for deck scenes, and room interior scenes. Shuttered doors flying in and out change the scenes effortlessly.
The play has been expertly directed by Lucy Bailey with some great moments that really enhance the murder mystery element.
A thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre. Agatha Christie would be proud.
Four stars. A deliciously stylish whodunnit.
