Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express is a quintessential ‘whodunnit’, featuring the beloved Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. 

Adapted by Ken Ludwig and directed by Lucy Bailey, the murder-mystery play has pulled into Norwich Theatre Royal on its latest UK tour. 

The audience arrived to find a dark and atmospheric stage, eager to see how the famous train would be brought to life. 

The cast of Murder on the Orient ExpressThe cast of Murder on the Orient Express (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre) But first we must meet Poirot, played by Michael Maloney (Belfast, The Crown and Young Victoria).

While holidaying in Istanbul, the detective is unexpectedly called to Scotland Yard on urgent business. 

Luckily, his friend runs the Orient Express and offers him a ride to London in first class. 

But caught in a snow drift, a dead body is found onboard and he must crack the case before the snow is cleared. 

The train's design is very impressiveThe train's design is very impressive (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre) Maloney's portrayal of Poirot is funny and charismatic and he nails all the famous traits of the Belgian sleuth. 

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Despite some over-the-top accents, the cast are confident and interact well on stage with one another - and whoever designed their costumes did a fantastic job.

The train itself is both clever and beautiful - it can be split into smaller compartments and rotated around.

However, manoeuvring the impressive prop between scenes meant the transitions took longer than they should have. 

The 1930s costumes capture the luxury of the famous trainThe 1930s costumes capture the luxury of the famous train (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre) After finding the first half a bit flat at times, the second had much more energy as Poirot got to the bottom of the case.

Though there are even more characters in the book, it did not feel like there was enough time to get to know all the eight plus travellers on board or for them to have any meaningful development. 

All in all, it was an enjoyable night out watching a very atmospheric and aesthetically pleasing adaption of an Agatha Christie classic.

The play is at Norwich Theatre Royal until September 21 - book tickets at norwichtheatre.org or call 01603 630000.