Overview
Synopsis
Famous detective Hercule Poirot is called back from Istanbul to London on urgent business. He intends to book a first-class compartment on the Orient Express, run by his former friend and colleague, Monsieur Bouc. The train is surprisingly full, but Bouc manages to secure Poirot a spot in the first-class cabin. While aboard the Orient Express, Poirot meets a host of peculiar characters: an aging Russian princess, her Swedish companion, a Hungarian countess, a Minnesota housewife, a Scottish colonel, an English governess, a French conductor, a disagreeable American businessman, and his anxious secretary. While aboard the train, the angry businessman, Samuel Ratchett, corners Poirot and demands Poirot to investigate a series of ominous letters that have been sent to Ratchett, threatening his life.
As a snowdrift halts the Orient Express in its tracks, Ratchett is found stabbed multiple times in his locked train compartment. Poirot is tasked by Monsieur Bouc to solve the murder, as the killer could still be in their midst. As Poirot investigates, conflicting clues and convoluted alibis lead him to dead ends. Over the course of 48 hours, will Poirot be able to solve the case of the Murder on the Orient Express?
Show Information
Context
Agatha Christie wrote 60 mystery novels, 33 of which follow Detective Hercule Poirot on his adventures. Murder on the Orient Express is considered to be Christie’s greatest mystery novel and a conerstone of the mystery genre. Christie’s inspiration for the underlying plot came from a headline in 1932 about the abduction of pilot Charles Lindberg’s son. The real life abduction, which lead to extortion and murder, had not yet been solved when Christie’s novel was published. Christie decided to
to read the context for Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One begins with a little girl being put to bed by her mother, father, and nanny. Just as she has fallen asleep, the shadowy figure of a man enters the room. The little girl screams as the man rips her from her bed. Her screams turn into a train whistle as the scene fades and Hercule Poirot takes the stage. Poirot, the famous detective, sets the scene of a tragic murder and the greatest case of his career, the murder on the Orient Express.
The audience is transported to a cafe in Istanbul
to read the plot for Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Soprano |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
An actor who specializes in portraying distinctive, often supporting roles.
A character arc is the journey of personal growth, change, or transformation that a character undergoes throughout a play or musical. It often involves overcoming internal or external obstacles, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself or others. Strong arcs help audiences connect emotionally with characters and give structure to the overall narrative.
A period piece is a theatrical work set in a specific historical era, recreating its fashions, manners, and cultural atmosphere. Costumes, sets, and dialogue are often designed to reflect the chosen time period as accurately as possible. Period pieces allow audiences to step into another age and experience its unique style and traditions.
A mystery plot where the audience follows clues to identify the perpetrator, often used in suspenseful or comedic theatre.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.