Murder on the Orient Express heading our way this summer

Two new productions have been unveiled by the Theatre Royal Bath for this summer.

Henry Goodman, inset, will star in Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express in June while an acclaimed production of August Wilson’s Jitney (a Headlong, Leeds Playhouse and Old Vic production) will tour to Bath in July.

Appearing at the Theatre Royal from June 9 to 25, Chichester Festival Theatre’s Murder On The Orient Express is directed by Jonathan Church, artistic director of the Theatre Royal Bath’s Summer Season (Betrayal, In Praise of Love, The Price) with design by Robert Jones (Oklahoma!, Mack & Mabel).

Goodman stars as the celebrated detective Hercule Poirot enjoying a luxurious rail journey from Istanbul to Calais. But just after midnight, the Orient Express screeches to a halt, marooned by a snowdrift. And by morning, one passenger is dead. Nobody can leave. Poirot must deploy his ‘little grey cells’ on the most difficult case of his career: one that will force him to question his deepest beliefs. Goodman’s many stage roles include his Olivier Award-winning Shylock in The Merchant of Venice.

From July 26 to 30, a searing new production of Jitney will tour to the Theatre Royal Bath directed by Tinuke Craig (The Colour Purple) starring Geoff Aymer, Leanne Henlon, Wil Johnson, Leemore Marrett Jr and Tony Marshall.

A ground-breaking modern classic, Jitney explores the fragile bond between eight men as they live, love and work in a racially segregated, post-vietnam America. Following its premiere at Leeds Playhouse last autumn, Tinuke Craig’s critically acclaimed production will have its London premiere at The Old Vic.

Booking for Jitney is now open with general booking for Murder On The Orient Express opening on March 12.

To book tickets contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or book online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.