Reviewed by Matthew Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐

As the nights grow darker and winter edges closer, many of us start daydreaming about a spot of winter sun. Would Devon be charming this time of year? What about a glamorous rail trip across Europe, or a cruise along one of the world’s most iconic rivers — the Nile, with its breath‑taking views of the pyramids and whispered secrets of ancient Egypt? Just one warning: if a gentleman with an outrageous Belgian accent and an even more impressive moustache joins your party, consider changing your plans immediately as chances are high somebody on board won’t make it home!

Following the success of last year’s Murder on the Orient Express tour, writer Ken Ludwig and director Lucy Bailey return with another thrilling Agatha Christie adaptation, and once again, everyone’s favourite Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, is at the heart of the mystery.

Death on the Nile sees Poirot (Mark Hadfield) and a host of high society types take a trip down the Nile on the luxurious, S.S. Karnak, as the party returns a sarcophagus which has been loaned to the British museum. Amongst the party is wealthy museum benefactor Linnet Ridgeway (Libby Alexandra-Cooper) and her husband Simon Doyle, (Nye Occomore) celebrating their honeymoon.

Also in attendance is Doyle’s former fiancée, Jacqueline de Bellefort (Esme Hough), who was also best friends with Linnet till she ‘stole’ her fiancé. Poirot’s friend Colonel Race (Bob Barrett) is also on board, as is renowned British thespian Septimus Troy (Terence Wilton), and his companion, former novelist turned aspiring actress Salome Otterbourne (Glynis Barber). Salome’s daughter, Rosalie (Camilla Anvar) has joined the trip along with Doctor Ramses Pread (Nicholas Prasad) and his father, British museum curator Atticus Pread (Howard Cossington). Finally, there is Annabelle Pennington (Helen Katamba), a business associate of Linnet.

As the paddle steamer makes its way down the Nile it is apparent that one passenger has made a few enemies and when they end up dead it’s up to Poirot to untangle the web of lies and crack the case.

Sometimes the trouble with some adaptations of Christie’s more famous works is that you are so familiar with them that you already know who the killer is. I’ve seen at least three different film/tv versions of Death on the Nile, which may have some slight differences yet ultimately the mystery elements remain the same, which is the same here. What Ken Ludwig’s script does so well is lean on humour, poking fun at the familiar tropes of the ‘whodunit’ and calling out Poirot’s penchant for the big reveal. It adds a welcome freshness to proceedings that doesn’t seem at all out of place.

With the crime genre there are lots of expedition and plot dumps which though necessary can seem shoe-horned in, however Ludwig’s script just about pulls off the trick of making it natural, as Poirot hovers about picking up nuggets of information, while various cast members air their grievances.

Mark Hadfield does a solid job as the super sleuth even though at times his accent does wander slightly. Both he and Bob Barrett make a good team as old friends attempting to crack the case. The love triangle at the heart of the story is well played with by Esme Hough, Nye Occomore, and Libby Alexandra-Cooper. Hough is on form as the unhinged women scorned. Whilst Occomore plays the part of the cad very well. Alexandra-Cooper manages to evoke sympathy as the brash troubled socialite.

The ensemble cast do a fine job of selling themselves as possible suspects with each one making sure, they are an essential part of the plot. Special mentions for Glynis Barber and Terence Wilton who make a great comedic pairing as the two aging actors.

Where this production excels is the well-crafted set design by Mike Britton, first bringing to life the interior of the British museum, and later the interior of the paddle steam. The set looks fantastic, with its shifting panels, coupled with Oliver Fenwick’s superb lighting design, as prominent suspects lurk in the shadows. It adds a film-noir quality to proceedings and further ratchets up the intrigue and suspense. Finally, Mic Pool’s atmospheric sound design hits mark the bringing to life the hustle and bustle of life luxury cruise down the Nile, whilst throwing in the odd moment of shock to boot.

Death on the Nile, whilst not perfect, is an entertaining night at the theatre. Fans of Christie’s work will notice little differences from previous adaptations, whilst those coming at this fresh are in for an enjoyable couple of hours even if the big reveal can be telegraphed from a mile away. However, very much like a cruise down the Nile itself, surely the fun isn’t the destination and all about the journey.

Death on the Nile is on at the Lowry Saturday 4th October.

Tickets available https://thelowry.com/whats-on/death-on-the-nile-q4jt