The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Director: Ali Bendall
Writer: Agatha Christie
Genesian Theatre, Rozelle
January 23-February 28, 2026
The Genesian Theatre’s first production for 2026 is based on possibly the most famous of Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries. Adapted for stage by Philip Grecian, it’s a delightful treat for all whodunit fans, serving up an entertaining mix of intricate plot, colourful characters, humour and of course, an ability to keep the audience guessing till the end.
The narrative of the play is so dense with twists, turns and red herrings that the audience is advised to pay careful attention as the play progresses. When affluent Roger Ackroyd is found murdered in his locked study, it becomes a case for Hercule Poirot to solve. Although retired, he is drawn into the case by his neighbour, Caroline Sheppard, the sister of the local doctor. The lively Caroline is au fait with everything that happens in the village of King’s Abbot and her conversations with her brother expose a lot of the recent goings-on in the community. Roger Ackroyd’s mansion is inhabited by the usual cast of retainers and relatives, all of whom are likely suspects, each with his or her personal secrets and hidden connections. These, Poirot gradually unearths through his customary unorthodox methods. His revelation of the murderer is, naturally, an unlikely surprise.
Director Ali Bendall is to be congratulated on maintaining a pacy momentum in a play which requires about twenty-two scene changes. One of Genesian’s strengths in presenting period plays is creating an authentic sense of the time. This, they have managed by keeping props to a minimum and masking parts of the stage with curtains. The use of the auditorium doors and stairs also gives the audience a more inclusive experience of the play. The mood is enhanced by some atmospheric lighting (Cian Byrne). Costuming by Susan Carveth is on point, especially the lovely outfit designed for the niece, Flora Ackroyd.
Mention must be made of the large and excellent cast: Peter David Allison is Hercule Poirot to the tee, Roslyn Hicks plays Caroline Sheppard with great verve and humour, Nathan Moss as Dr Sheppard is believably calm and professional, while David Stewart-Hunter as Inspector Raglan is both slightly comedic and bumbling. The very able support actors play the following characters: John Parker (Peter Hoekstra-Bass), Special Agent (Rod Stewart), Flora Ackroyd (Jen Manoogian), Major Blunt (Simon Pearce), Geoffrey Raymond (Harry Charlesworth), Elizabeth Russell (Jane Thorpe), Mrs Ackroyd (Julie Mathers), Ursula Bourne (Natalie Hughes) and Charles Kent/Ralph Paton (Oscar Baird).
As well as a creatively designed show programme, Genesian’s cast and crew have excelled themselves in a very entertaining presentation of an Agatha Christie classic. It’s a great start to the theatrical year and fans should make a point of giving this whodunit treat a viewing.
