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Fans of Dame Agatha Christie are in for a treat as Auckland Theatre Company prepares to take audiences on a journey back to the nostalgic world of the 1930s for her thrilling whodunnit Murder on the Orient Express.
Captivating audiences for generations, the production will bring to life one of the world’s most celebrated mysteries, filled with intrigue, danger, comedy and rich period detail, to the ASB Waterfront stage from April 22 to May 10, with the support of presenting partner MiNDFOOD.
Auckland theatre luminary Shane Bosher will direct this “masterful” adaptation by Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig, delivering a first-class theatrical experience that meets the high expectations of a classic Agatha Christie.
The design will sweep audiences away to the grandeur of 1930’s Europe, with lavish period costumes and a set that brings the legendary train to life on stage.
Describing her stories as “halfway between a crossword puzzle and a hunt”, Dame Agatha, the best-selling novelist of all time, wrote Murder on the Orient Express after being inspired by her own travels on the historic train.
The novel’s locked-room mystery, unforgettable characters, and shocking plot twists have cemented its status as one of the most ingenious plots in detective fiction.
A cast of 10 accomplished New Zealand actors will bring to the stage Dame Agatha’s larger-than-life characters; some of the wealthiest people in the world.
Cameron Rhodes (King Lear, North by Northwest) takes on the iconic role of Hercule Poirot, the greatest detective of all time.
With over 100 theatre productions to his name, Rhodes steps into the shoes of acclaimed actors such as Kenneth Branagh, Orson Welles, and Peter Ustinov, adding his own unique interpretation to this timeless character.
Dame Agatha is famed for writing strong female roles that flaunt both agency and fortitude.
These fabulous characters, and the amazing women who represent them, include the incomparable Rima Te Wiata (We Were Dangerous, The Life of Galileo) as the outspoken and dramatic American Helen Hubbard, and the legendary Jennifer Ludlam (Shortland Street, Peter Pan) as the aristocratic Russian Princess Dragomiroff.
Starring also is rising star Mirabai Pease (Shortland Street, Evil Dead Rise) as the intelligent and enigmatic Mary Debenham, established filmmaker and performer Sophie Henderson (Fantail, The Writer) as the striking and mysterious Hungarian beauty Countess Andrenyi, and acclaimed newcomer Bronwyn Ensor (Shortland Street, Émilie) as the nervous Swedish missionary Greta Ohlsson.
Joining them in this most murderous and entertaining tale are Mayen Mehta, Ryan O’Kane, and Edwin Wright.
With over 2500 advance tickets already sold to the limited three-week season, Dame Agatha’s Murder on the Orient Express is fast-tracked to become one of Auckland’s biggest theatrical hits of the decade.
