In an era where true crime investigations capture huge audiences on Netflix, podcasts and the like, is the time ripe for an Agatha Christie revival?
Auckland Theatre Company thinks so. The theatre company is bringing Murder on the Orient Express, one of the celebrated mystery writer’s best-loved and cleverest works, to the stage in April, in partnership with MiNDFOOD.
Purists may rest assured knowing the interpretation is no gritty modern take trying to line up with those aforementioned hits. The familiar, old-fashioned luxury stylings of the 1934 detective tale are firmly in place as it is cleverly transported to stage by American playwright Ken Ludwig, directed in Auckland by Shane Bosher.
The story follows a grisly killing on board a train that is marooned in snow on its way from Istanbul, with a timeline, suspects and the ultimate final reveal pieced together by Christie’s most famous creation, Hercule Poirot.
The Belgian detective’s distinctive moustache, sartorial flair and meticulous methods are wonderfully front and centre, brought to life by actor Cameron Rhodes, as the number of suspects add up in a cast of colourful characters played by experienced actors including Sophie Henderson, Rima Te Wiata and Ryan O’Kane.
The late Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor has been Henderson’s vocal inspiration in the run-up to the play, as she steps into the role of Countess Andrenyi, a young Hungarian noble and doctor, on the train with her husband. Working with a dialect coach is all part of the fun, she says, despite the dark subject matter.
“ It’s a classic locked room mystery, in that everyone’s a suspect, everyone’s a victim. There’s real tension and a feeling of danger for the audience – anything could happen and no-one’s quite safe. Who do you put your trust in?”
Henderson says that as a fan of doing escape room challenges – “I think my husband and I have done every one in Auckland” – trying to figure things out as the story evolves is a huge part of the appeal. “It’s an active experience that you feel involved in because you’re all putting the pieces together.”
She says the elements of humour are character-based, with very specific archetypes involved. “There’s not really gags, it’s more about what people are hiding, it’s what they’re not saying. Cameron will be so hilarious as Poirot. He [Poirot] is actually very funny, very witty.”
These days, Henderson works mostly alone in her home office as a screenwriter, and says the opportunity to be a part of a team of experienced actors again and step back onto the stage was too appealing to pass up.
“When Shane Bosher asked me I jumped at the chance [not only] because of working with him, but also this ensemble cast. There’s been a real trend in Auckland theatre lately with a lot of solo shows. So it’s cool to be in a bigger cast, there’s a lot of bodies on stage all the time.”
Bosher’s reputation for delivering a memorable experience is another huge drawcard. “Shane has such good taste and high expectations and really strives for excellence in everything he does. So you know it’s going to be a beautiful, sexy, slick production.”
Creating the numerous train carriages where the action takes place delivered an enticing challenge for the creative and production teams. With the famous long-distance luxury train service serving almost as an additional character, ensuring the audience feels like they are also aboard is a priority. Famously adventurous herself, Christie travelled on the Orient Express many times and her attention to detail is pivotal. It’s said that while writing it, she checked cabin layouts, door handles and light switches, noting down their positions.
“Everyone [on the play] is working on making it feel like the audience is stepping into something really special,” Henderson agrees, particularly with the period detail. “It’ll be very glamorous and mysterious, but I think it’ll still feel new and exciting – even though it’s set in a different time.”
MiNDFOOD presents Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
22 April – 10 May, 2025
ASB Waterfront Theatre
atc.co.nz
