The Story of Death on the Nile
Bitter rivals. Buried secrets. A love to die for.
The Invitation
As a patron of the British Museum, the legendary Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is invited to be part of an expedition by steamer along the Nile River to return an ancient artefact borrowed from the Egyptian authorities. Among the passengers is wealthy heiress Linnet Ridgeway Doyle, recently married to the charming Simon Doyle.
The Honeymoon Disrupted
On board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian sun, the couple's idyllic honeymoon is being disrupted by an unwelcome guest—Simon's bitter ex-fiancée (and Linnet's former best friend) Jacqueline de Bellefort, who has been stalking the newlyweds throughout their trip. Linnet asks Poirot for help, but he refuses the commission.
Murder Most Foul
Once the steamer has set sail, Linnet is found shot to death by a pistol apparently owned by Jacqueline. But as Poirot begins his investigation, he discovers that many passengers had motives—jealousy, betrayal, greed, and revenge all simmer beneath the surface of this seemingly civilized gathering.
Poirot Investigates
As secrets that have been buried in the sands of time finally resurface, can the world-famous detective untangle the web of lies and solve another crime? With his trusted friend Colonel Race by his side, Poirot must use all his powers of deduction to unmask the killer in classic Christie fashion.
Key Themes
- Love and Betrayal - The destructive power of romantic obsession and the pain of betrayal by those closest to us
- Jealousy and Revenge - How envy can poison relationships and drive people to desperate acts
- Wealth and Privilege - The complexities and dangers that come with great fortune in 1930s society
- Justice and Truth - Poirot's unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how painful
- Deception and Identity - The masks people wear and the secrets they hide, even in close quarters
- Order from Chaos - As Ken Ludwig writes, "Though tragedy may strike at any time, life itself is actually a comedy when we strive to make sense of it"
Contemporary Relevance: While set in the glamorous 1930s, Death on the Nile explores timeless themes of passion, betrayal, and the human capacity for both great love and terrible vengeance. Christie's genius lies in creating a mystery that entertains while revealing uncomfortable truths about human nature.
Practical Information
Show Times
- Dates: 7 - 11 October 2025
- Evening performances: 7:30pm
- Matinees: Check specific dates when booking
- Press Night: Thursday 9 October
Getting There
- Train: Richmond Station (South Western Railway, London Overground, District Line) - 5 mins walk
- Underground: Richmond (District Line) - 5 mins walk
- Buses: Multiple routes stop near The Green
- Parking: Nearby parking facilities available
Theatre Information
- One of the oldest surviving theatres designed by Frank Matcham
- Grade II-listed venue opened in 1899
- Beautiful Victorian theatre with modern amenities
- Featured in Finding Neverland, Killing Eve, and Ted Lasso
- Accessible seating available
- Bar and facilities throughout the venue
Age Guidance
Recommended for ages 12+ due to themes of murder, violence, and adult relationships. The show contains discussions of death and crime that may be intense for younger children, though it maintains the classic Christie style that avoids graphic content.
Running Time
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including one interval. The production features two acts that build suspense toward Poirot's famous denouement where all is revealed.
