Nye Occomore (Simon Doyle), Esme Hough (Jacqueline de Bellefort) and Libby Alexandra-Cooper (Linnet Ridgeway). Pictures: Manuel Harlan

Death on the Nile

Malvern Theatres

****

Agatha Christie’s mastery of the detective novel is wonderfully exemplified in this production of Death on the Nile at Malvern Theatres.

Often regarded as one of her best creations, this story follows the predictable form as Hercule Poirot keeps us guessing who has committed murder until his final explanation.

Simon and Linnet Doyle set off on their honeymoon on a cruise on the SS Karnak up the Nile. However, they are haunted by the presence of Simon’s ex-fiancée, Jacqueline de Bellefort. Jacqueline would seem an obvious candidate to execute murder against these two as she makes no secret of her jealousy.

She even confides in Poirot that she would like to kill Linnet with her pearl-handled pistol, and when Linnet is subsequently found shot in the head by a pearl-handled pistol, the murder might appear to be easily solved.

They are joined on the trip up the Nile by Poirot and a range of colourful characters, many of whom appear to have a motive to kill. The group include Atticus Praed who is escorting a famous archaeological artefact which is being returned to Egypt. Colonel Race has a detective background and becomes Poirot’s side-kick in the investigation.

Septimus Troy is a well-known actor who pairs up with Salome Otterbourne who fancies herself as an actress, having failed in other pursuits. Annabelle Pennington is Linnet’s frustrated agent and a clever and fraudulent operator. There is a fine range of interesting characters, many of whom we might reasonably be suspicious.

Esme Hough (Jacqueline), Nye Occomore (Simon), Libby Alexandra-Cooper (Linnet) and Mark Hadfield (Poirot)

The production is beautifully designed by Mike Britton. With the effective sound effects of the water and the steamer, and the background music, we get a great sense of being aboard; the tiers of the set give us a strong sense of the different decks in a middle section of the vessel; there are infinite possibilities for exits and entrances which keep the visual elements alive and fascinating. The lighting is occasionally a trifle dim but creates many visually satisfying scenes. The costumes are very tastefully coordinated and designed.

Mark Hadfield leads the cast very well as Poirot. His short stature, staccato gait and familiar walking stick combine with his Belgian accent to provide a reassuringly familiar figure, fully in command of the situation that arises on the ship. The ironic asides add welcome humour to the unfolding of the plot. He is well attended by Bob Barrett’s Colonel Race, who also brings welcome humour and irony from time to time.

Simon Doyle (Nye Occomore) is the cad who ditches Jacqueline (Esme Hough) for the rich heiress Linnet Ridgeway (Libby Alexandra-Cooper). They each have elegance and class and carry off their roles with heightened style. Similarly, Glynis Barber (as Salome Otterbourne) and Terence Wilton (as Septimus Troy) bring a gentle irony and humour to their portrayals.

In the end Hercule Poirot is the one character with whom we warmly identify. Agatha Christie toys with her readers and audiences and challenges them to work out the mystery. She never fails to bring surprises with her twists and turns. This production is hugely satisfying and highly entertaining. To 14-02-26

Tim Crow

11-02-26 

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