REVIEW - DEATH ON THE NILE | THE LOWRY | 01/10/2025

Death on the Nile at The Lowry: A Glamorous Cruise of Murder and Mystery

Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile has long been one of her most beloved mysteries, and it’s no surprise that her meticulous plots continue to draw audiences decades later. Even without having read the book or seen the film adaptations beforehand, I knew I was stepping into a world of glamour, secrets, and murder. This production, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lucy Bailey, strikes a fine balance between honouring Christie’s storytelling and injecting a knowing wit that makes it feel fresh and engaging.

I attended the performance with my mum, who already knew the story from the film but still found the stage adaptation just as gripping as I did—which speaks volumes about the production’s ability to keep even seasoned Christie fans hooked.

We begin with newlyweds Linnet Ridgeway (Libby Alexandra-Cooper) and Simon Doyle (Nye Occomore), enjoying what should be a blissful honeymoon as they sail down the Nile. But their voyage is far from smooth—Jacqueline de Bellefort (Esme Hough), Simon’s spurned former fiancée and Linnet’s one-time friend, is shadowing them with a mixture of heartbreak and vengeance. Add to this a collection of eccentric passengers, each with their own motives, and of course, the ever-observant detective Hercule Poirot (Mark Hadfield), and we have the makings of a perfect Christie puzzle. When murder inevitably strikes aboard the luxury steamer, everyone is a suspect, and Poirot must unpick a tangled web of lies before it’s too late.

I found the story gripping throughout, with each reveal carefully timed to maintain suspense and intrigue.

Mike Britton’s ingenious set design uses sliding screens and split levels to create both intimacy and grandeur, from the British Museum to the decks of the S.S. Karnak. The effect is both fluid and cinematic, allowing scenes to flow seamlessly while maintaining suspense. Oliver Fenwick’s lighting drenches the stage in warm, shadowed tones, evoking the oppressive heat of Egypt while adding an ominous edge.

The costumes are a feast for the eyes—sweeping chiffon gowns, linen suits, and dramatic hats transport us straight into the 1930s.

The sound design completes this immersive picture. From the subtle lapping of water against the steamer to the sharp crack of gunfire, every detail is finely judged to heighten tension without ever overwhelming the dialogue. Atmospheric underscores weave seamlessly with the lighting to create a world that feels alive—glamorous, dangerous, and steeped in mystery.

Mark Hadfield leads the company as Hercule Poirot, capturing the detective’s meticulous charm with twinkling humour and sharp intelligence. His interplay with Bob Barrett’s Colonel Race adds warmth and wit. Esme Hough is magnetic as Jacqueline, balancing fragility, obsession, and menace with striking precision. Libby Alexandra-Cooper shines as Linnet, commanding the stage with elegance, while Nye Occomore convincingly portrays Simon’s fiery passion and conflicted loyalties. Glynis Barber delights as the flamboyant Salome Otterbourne, delivering a glamorous, larger-than-life performance that frequently steals the spotlight.

The supporting ensemble bring plenty of colour and intrigue to the voyage. Camilla Anvar brings depth and poise to Rosalie Otterbourne, balancing her mother’s dramatic flair with a strong, independent spirit. Howard Gossington makes Atticus Praed wonderfully earnest, his anxious energy contrasting beautifully with the authority of his role as curator, while Nicholas Prasad charts a gentle transformation as Ramses Praed, growing from nervy youth into a quietly capable figure. Helen Katamba injects zest and bite as Annabelle Pennington, her boldness ensuring sparks fly whenever she steps on stage. And Terence Wilton is a joy as Septimus Troy, revelling in his character’s theatrical bravado with a knowing wink that keeps the audience smiling.

Death on the Nile at The Lowry is a stylish, versatile, and atmospheric production that does justice to Agatha Christie’s legacy. I found it gripping from start to finish, and even my mum — who already knew the story well from the film — was drawn in by the unfolding tension, proving that this adaptation holds its audience no matter how familiar they are with the plot. Lucy Bailey’s direction ensures that the twists land with shock and intrigue, while Ken Ludwig’s script highlights both humour and humanity. Combined with a talented cast, sumptuous 1930s glamour, and a set design that transforms with cinematic fluidity, this is a production that feels both fresh and timeless.

A glamorous and gripping Christie mystery brought to life with flair, wit, and intrigue.

Death on the Nile is at The Lowry until Saturday 4th October 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Manuel Harlan

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review