Death On The Nile UK Tour Review (Royal & Derngate, Northampton)

04 November 2025 I 19:30 I Royal & Derngate, Northampton

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite

Death on the Nile sails into Northampton's Royal & Derngate this week in a sublime rendition of Agatha Christie's great mystery. From intricate costuming to the moral ambivalence of characters, this performance is morbidly satisfying as the truth unravels.

This production opens with brief narration from our detective Poirot, played by Mark Hadfield. He is a fascinating figure as he sometimes simply observes the action, ever-present onstage. Hadfield delivers a comedic element to all of his scenes with a nonchalant demeanour, including those in which dark truths are revealed, crafting a wonderful juxtaposition to make the auditorium uproar with laughter.

Photography Credit: Manuel Harlan

Mike Britton's scenic design is truly captivating as the visual grandeur of Death On The Nile is revealed. This includes a balcony, railings and louvered shutters to create an ever-changing space. The ensemble are highly commendable for seamless transitions to maintain the play's momentum. Minimalist furniture in front of imposing backdrops define a play that interrogates and exposes its characters.

When Libby Alexandra-Cooper's Linnet first enters in her glamorous sparkling gown, the audience gasp in amazement. Britton's visionary designs are a wonderful testament to how costume can be reused and manipulated, where the dress is seen as a base in later scenes. Others including Rosalie (Camilla Anvar) are well-established by their attire, visually understanding their social class with no prior knowledge. Elizabeth Marini compliments the early 20th century period with her wigs, hair & makeup supervision, further enhancing unique character personalities.

The ensemble leads with immaculate precision in brief movement pieces choreographed by Liam Steel, preventing a static structure. Those who know the Christie classic may look for subtle hints towards the killer, in which Lucy Bailey's direction is intelligent to acknowledge. The audience are, in turn, situated as onlookers piecing the puzzle together, embodying their own inner Belgian detective!

Photography Credit: Manuel Harlan

Bailey's staging is rich in symbolism, utilised in a scene where Linnet states she is surrounded by enemies. All characters with a personal grudge against her stand behind the shutters as shadowy figures. This sinister metaphor questions the moral enigmas of each character, as interval chatter turns to potential motives. Despite having watched Branagh's film adaptation and knowing the outcome, I too started to theorise newfound intentions.

As audiences are met with Poirot's revelation about the infamous murder, the actors re-enact the scenes in which the deathly act took place. A stylised ensemble finale does not take away from otherwise naturalistic acting, instead adding to the mystery and the shifting nature of those aboard the S. S. Sudan.

In Ken Ludwig's stage adaptation, Death on the Nile plays on ambiguity with exacting and elaborate stagecraft. We are led to question our own judgements through a must-see touring production that will leave you stunned and laughing in equal measure. And I am still thinking about Linnet's gold dress!!

Touring Tickets & Info: https://deathonthenileplay.com/#header