Death on the Nile at the New Theatre,

Agatha Christie has a way of pulling you into a puzzle before you even realise you’ve picked up the pieces, and Death on the Nile at the New Theatre, is no exception. Despite never having read the book or seen the film, I went in blissfully spoiler-free – armed only with my love of Christie’s writing and a determination to work out whodunnit before anyone else in the audience.

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What followed was an evening full of twists, tension and more than a few surprises. The production strikes a clever balance between dark, simmering suspense and genuinely funny moments. There were plenty of unexpected laughs, offset beautifully by scenes that made me physically jump – the kind of sharp, theatrical shocks that remind you why experiencing a mystery live on stage is so thrilling.

Visually, the show is a treat. The costumes are glorious: elegant, era-perfect and rich with that 1930s glamour that makes Christie’s worlds so intoxicating. From crisp linen suits to flowing dresses in jewel tones, every outfit helped set the scene and transported the audience straight onto the decks of a luxury cruise along the Nile.

The set design supports this beautifully, delivering a sense of movement and heat, with subtle shifts that keep you guessing which corner of the deck the next clue might emerge from. And the cast – sharp, charismatic and fully immersed in their roles – kept me second-guessing myself right up until the final reveal.

Most importantly, it was just fun. I spent the whole show scanning faces, studying lines, and trying to spot every little detail that might give the game away. And even with all my detective work, I still didn’t solve it in time – which is exactly how a Christie mystery should be.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Queen of Crime or stepping into her world for the first time, Death on the Nile at the New Theatre is stylish, gripping, surprisingly funny and full of delicious tension. A proper night out for anyone who loves a good puzzle.