Michael Maloney to star as Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express at Newcastle Theatre Royal – Newcastle Magazine

Michael Maloney will play Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in Lucy Bailey’s new production of Murder on the Orient Express.

Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic will visit Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 January 2025) on its UK tour.

Winter 1934, an avalanche brings the Orient Express to a standstill. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Stranded in the snow with a murderer still on board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?

Michael said of taking on the role: “I am incredibly excited and honoured to join a long line of extraordinary actors who have taken on the role of Hercule Poirot and I hope to do the same. Working with such a talented director as Lucy Bailey and leading producers Fiery Angel is a gift and a privilege. May the Orient Express speed through your town soon!”

Michael Maloney’s extensive work in film and television includes Belfast, The Iron Lady, Young Victoria, Notes on a scandal, Truly Madly Deep and The Crown among many others. On stage, his many roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company include Edgar, Romeo and Prince Hal, as well as multiple appearances in National Theatre productions.

Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that ranks among her best. Gripping, tense and masterfully enigmatic, this new production is a delightfully thrilling journey and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the very end.

Murder on the Orient Express is directed by Lucy Bailey (Witness for the prosecution, And then there was none left, the other Boleyn girl) and designed by Mike Britton, with lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, video design by Ian Galloway, sound design by Mic Pool, movement direction by Leah Hausman, casting by Abby Galvin, and with Victoria Gartner as assistant director.

Other actors are yet to be announced.

Murder on the Orient Express will run at the Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday to Saturday, 14–18 January 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal box office on 0191 232 7010.