Black Coffee

Play

Writers: Agatha Christie

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1930
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
The library of Sir Claud Armory's house, England, 1930
Cast Size
medium
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, mature adult, young adult characters

Synopsis

Black Coffee may not mark the first stage appearance of the famous fictional detective Hercule Poirot, but it does mark the first original play from the pen of Agatha Christie. In this classic murder mystery, Poirot and Captain Hastings are summoned to the grand house of Sir Claud Armory. The renowned scientist has laid a plan: the break-through atomic formula he has been working on has been stolen and he is determined that the thief will be unveiled. However, before he can discover the truth, he is murdered. In true Agatha Christie style, Poirot is left to solve the case with the ever-faithful Hastings by his side! Could it be the mysterious Italian visitor? Or perhaps the guilt lies with Armory’s new daughter-in-law, who clearly has a secret to hide. Leaving nothing to chance, and with the assistance of Hastings and Inspector Japp, Poirot stages one of his famous dramatic reveal scenes to expose the thief and murderer.

Lead Characters


Black Coffee guide sections