The stage is set for mystery, glamour, and an extraordinary feat of local craftsmanship as VOS Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, opening November 14 at the Concert Hall in Victoria Hall.
The production features what’s believed to be the largest set ever built for the historic venue — bringing audiences up close and personal with the famous the Orient Express dining and sleeping cars. The massive structure, built on Burnham Farm, has been moved and reassembly is taking place now, piece by piece before opening night.
Director Matt Blundell says audiences will feel like they’ve stepped directly onto the famous train which has incidentally been designed to rotate 360 degrees, spinning the entire set in an engineering feat that truly is remarkable.
Blundell says the project has been a true community effort.
The show, adapted by Ken Ludwig, follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder aboard the luxurious train trapped by snow. The cast features Jeff Halligan as Poirot and a seasoned ensemble of local talent.
Producer Beth Hunt says the production is really coming together.
Profits from the non-profit’s productions go toward scholarships and bursaries for local youth pursuing post-secondary arts programs — creating a full-circle connection where each performance helps nurture the next generation of artists who may one day return to contribute to Northumberland’s vibrant creative scene.
We asked Blundell about the run up to opening night.
Performances run November 14 to 23, with matinee and evening shows each weekend.
Tickets are available at vostheatre.com or through the Victoria Hall box office.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)