Murder on the Nile proves to be nail-biting, tense thriller at HMT By Kirsty Doull A sumptuous spectacle of murder and suspense sailed into His Majesty's Theatre on Monday night as the Official Agatha Christie Theatre Company brought the prolific author's play, Murder on the Nile, back to life. Agatha Christie is synonymous with her finest character creations, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. However, neither character makes an appearance to solve the mystery in Murder on the Nile. Instead, the super sleuth is the amiable Canon Pennefeather, played by the great Robert Duncan who is no stranger to treading the boards with the company. The action unfolds on board a paddle steamer travelling down the Nile and, in true Agatha Christie fashion, an eclectic mix of people come together, each with their own secrets and reasons for being aboard. Naturally, a murder occurs and sets in motion a chain of events that lead to a dramatic cliffhanger. Due to flight delays, some of the cast members were unable to take to the stage last night. However, the professionalism of the remaining cast and understudies meant that the production remained seamless and the audience was not disappointed. Louise Faulkner deftly stepped into the stylish court shoes of Miss ffoliot-ffoulkes, a snooty snob who provided welcome comic relief from the dramatic tension. Also of note were Mark Lisseman and Emma Rangel who took to the roles of the Steward and Louise de Vallois, a lady's maid, with aplomb. These actors were supported by regulars such as Susie Amy as the beautiful and wealthy Kay Mostyn. Probably best known for her role in Footballers' Wives, Amy epitomises the glamour of the age and is earnest and perfectly naive in the role. Other Agatha Christie regulars Ben Nealon and Mark Wynter were also marvellous as the optimistic newly-wed Simon Nealon and insightful Doctor Bessner, respectfully. Also on great form was Max Hutchinson as William Smith who perfectly blended humorous moments with an apt social commentary as a background to the action. If you are looking for a nail-biting, tense thriller that will keep you trying to guess whodunnit until the very last scene then look no further than Murder on the Nile. Murder on the Nile runs until Saturday at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.