THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD
Click here if you liked this article 6 
https://genesiantheatre.com.au/events/the-murder-of-roger-ackroyd
Date Reviewed: 17/01/2026
A Murder. A House Full of Suspects. A Classic Whodunnit!
Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, adapted for the stage by Philip Grecian, at the Genesian Theatre opened to a sold-out audience. From the moment the curtain rose, the theatre buzzed with anticipation. There was a tangible energy as the audience settled in, speculating over who might be the culprit, perfectly setting the stage for Christie’s infamous twist, under the assured direction of Ali Bendall, the production channels this energy into a focused, suspenseful performance that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Bendall’s vision is disciplined and precise, orchestrating both cast and design to maintain narrative clarity and tension. Every reveal lands with timing that feels deliberate yet natural, while the ensemble circulates suspicion seamlessly, ensuring the mystery stays balanced and engaging.
What stands out is the production’s disciplined approach. Bendall prioritises textual clarity and character dynamics over overt stylistic experimentation, which suits Grecian’s adaptation of Christie’s tightly wound narrative perfectly. This restraint is both a strength and a limitation: the production is confident and coherent, though moments of bolder conceptual or visual choices, heightened physicality, or inventive transitions might have added extra theatrical spark. Nevertheless, careful control over tension demonstrates Bendall’s understanding of both the material and the audience’s expectations. The production also incorporates a subtle comedic undertone. Small moments of wit and levity, accentuated by laughter from the audience, lighten the intensity without undermining suspense, creating an engaging emotional rhythm throughout.
The cast delivers uniformly strong performances, with fully realised characters and interactions charged with subtle tension. Chemistry between actors sustains momentum even during dialogue-heavy passages, and moments of revelation land with precision. Stage presence across the ensemble is confident, making it easy to invest in both the unfolding mystery and the people at its centre.
The mise-en-scène is thoughtful and elegant. The set is functional yet atmospheric, facilitating smooth scene transitions while keeping focus on the performers. Costumes clearly establish period and social distinctions without exaggeration, supporting characterisation and grounding the story in its historical context. Lighting and sound are subtle but purposeful, enhancing tension and mood rather than drawing attention to themselves. Blocking and spatial composition reinforce narrative subtext, hinting at alliances, secrets, and power dynamics in ways that reward careful observation.
Intellectually engaging and emotionally measured, the production encourages the audience to piece together clues, and the final revelations linger after the curtain falls. Pacing is balanced, tension sustained, and the story unfolds naturally, accessible to theatre newcomers while still rewarding attentive viewers.
Overall, this is a polished, confident production that honours both Christie’s novel and Grecian’s adaptation with skill and care. While it may not radically reinvent the genre, it offers a highly enjoyable experience for lovers of classic mystery theatre.
Reviewed By: Adrianna Janice