THERE are now two stage versions of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Nile – the 1944 original adapted by the Dame herself from her novel and a new one by the legendary playwright Ken Ludwig, which is about to start its UK tour.
Ludwig’s is a stripped back adaptation whereas Christie’s is very wordy.
The Crescent obviously couldn’t do the Ludwig version, but it might have been wise to have taken a leaf out of his book and cut down on the text. For me it’s a clunky challenge for any company and is the main reason it doesn’t quite cut the mustard.
Picture by Graeme Braidwood. sColin Judges is both Director and Set Designer for the show and his huge lounge setting for ‘The Lotus’ paddle steamer on the Nile makes a very plush and effective acting space, dressed with an ornate mix of tables, chairs and settees. It makes an ideal showcase for an impressive wardrobe headed up by Stewart Snape.
Nigel Price makes a smooth host as the Steward who welcomes the cruising guests aboard. This includes stand out performances from Zena Forrest as demanding and spoilt socialite Miss Ffoliot-Ffoulkes, Perdita Lawton as the wily maid Louise and the ever-watchable Colin Simmonds as amateur sleuth Cannon Pennefather.
Picture by Graeme Braidwood. sPatrick Shannon engages as Honeymooner Simon Mostyn as does Emily Harle as his new wife Kay. Annie Swift builds her character of Jacqueline De Severac – Simon’s former fiancée – nicely over her journey, Simon King is big in stature and performance as Dr Bessner. James Colin Commander as wise-cracking guest William Smith needs to have his out-of-period rock star locks restrained to be taken seriously.
Picture by Graeme Braidwood. sMy problem with the production is that many of the intimate moments are marred by their upstage positioning behind other seated characters who couldn’t fail to overhear – act one is far too sedentary and needs someone to stretch their legs occasionally. The congested dialogue also meant that despite this seasoned team’s best intentions, for me this Murder on the Nile never quite makes it past a slow burning fuse.
Murder on the Nile runs at Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre until Saturday, April 12. Click here for times, tickets and more information.
