Auckland Theatre Company Presents: Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express – A Killer Night at the Theatre
Agatha Christie’s iconic Murder on the Orient Express remains the gold standard in whodunit — timeless, stylish, and endlessly compelling. Whether discovered on the page or on screen, this genre-defining tale never fails to captivate with its ensemble of enigmatic characters, exotic locale, and that legendary twist ending. Now, Auckland Theatre Company brings the mystery to the stage in a dazzling, high-octane production helmed by director Shane Bosher, and the result is nothing short of electrifying.
Adapting acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig’s razor-sharp take on Christie’s original, Bosher transforms the stage into a cinematic fever dream of intrigue and glamour. From the moment the lights flash and a sultry noir-jazz score kicks in, you’re transported aboard the luxurious and deadly Orient Express, where the world’s most famous detective, Monsieur Hercule Poirot, is thrust into a murder investigation with eight suspicious passengers, each hiding secrets and sinister motives.
Bosher’s production is a masterclass in theatrical spectacle, mixing Hitchcockian tension with screwball wit and a relentless pace that keeps you hooked from the first clue to the final reveal. It’s stylish, fast, and absolutely intoxicating.
At the heart of this thrill ride is Cameron Rhodes, who slips effortlessly into the iconic role of Poirot. Suave, meticulous, and armed with a razor-sharp intellect, Rhodes commands the stage with a performance that is both playful and profound. His Poirot is equal parts dapper showman and forensic genius, and he doesn’t miss a beat, whether delivering a tightly coiled monologue or breaking into a cheeky bit of improvised charm. He is the anchor in this whirlwind of deceit, and his presence elevates every scene.
Surrounding Rhodes is a dream ensemble of New Zealand talent firing on all cylinders. Sophie Henderson brings smouldering mystique as Countess Andrenyi, while Mirabei Pease is grace and warmth as Mary Debanham. Bronwyn Ensor has audiences in stitches as the adorably awkward Greta Ohlsson, and Rima Te Wiata delivers a scene-stealing turn as the bold and unpredictable Helen Hubbard: a role packed with misdirection and mischief.
Together, this cast pulses with chemistry, delivering crackling dialogue and emotionally charged moments that make the stage feel alive and unpredictable. The design work is equally stunning: bold lighting, sleek sets, and noir-inspired staging create a visual language that feels as immersive as film. It’s theatre that feels like cinema, where every moment is stylised, punchy, and dripping with suspense.
Simply put, this is live theatre at its boldest and most captivating. Murder on the Orient Express is a thrilling, stylish, and wildly entertaining production that pulls you deep into its tangled web of lies and leaves you breathless by the final bow. It’s everything you want from a night out: mystery, glamour, and a damn good time.
Auckland Theatre Company’s Murder on the Orient Express runs until Saturday, May 10, before returning for a fresh new season in February 2026. Don’t miss your ticket to this first-class mystery—it’s one of the year’s most unmissable theatrical events.
Purchase your tickets here.
