Murder On The Orient Express - U.K. Tour

So glad this has another life as we were going to see it in Bath during its run there but they had to cancel the final performances due to cast illness.

Adaptation, yes. Production, no.

Ah, my mistake on the production but still very glad the script is on the road again.

Conflicted about this. Having read the book and seen the films there can be no surprises in the plot. Is the production likely to be enough to entice me?

Having enjoyed the recent touring production of Lucy Bailey's adaption of "And then there were none" as well as "Witness for the Prosecution" in London, I had no hesitation in booking for her latest adaption of this classic Christie story during its stop this week at the Lowry for todays matinee viewing. With a run time of 2hrs and 20 minutes, I really enjoyed this latest offering from Lucy and her team just as much her previous offerings and would have no hesitation in recommending this 4 star production to others to watch if it tours near you.

It was well paced and filled with the usual Christie red herrings and twists and turns to the final reveal. Having seen the film and tv adaptations over the years, I thought it held up well thanks to a wonderful cast and set design. Knowing the ending really didn't ruin my enjoyment and by the comments made by other folk on their way out there was much praise for this production and this seems to have been replicated in the critic reviews of the Lowry run from the few I have read all gave this production a thumbs up in their reviews. 

With such an iconic character as Poirot being played over the years by some wonderful actors, Michael Moloney makes for an engaging and fun watch as the Belgian detective ably supported by his fellow cast members. There was a nice balance between drama and comedy with Christine Kavanagh and Debbie Chazen have some really fun moments to lighten the mood after the more tense moments. I certainly felt it was all round a strong cast in delivering this performance.

For the set design, I was really intrigued in how the designers would pull off this story and so a big shout out here to designer Mike Britton for the fantastic Orient Express carriage set that is on display. Consisting of 3 breakaway carriages in full Edwardian decor along with an overheard video screen to display the necessary snowdrift and train movements. Backed up with a few tables and chairs for a few scenes at the front of the stage, the Lyric stage for me was well utilised with this production. The only criticism I would make is that you did get a few of the stage crew moving the carriages during the show which just looked odd. Along with a terrific set design, you get a nice lighting and sound design from Oliver Fenwick and Mic Pool respectively to add to the atmosphere of the piece.

Overall, a nice afternoon in Salford and I hope Lucy Bailey is planning more Christie adaptations as I would certainly be very keen to see them.