Forget The Mousetrap – you need to see this Agatha Christie inspired show instead

Agatha Christie fans might be tempted to flock to see The Mousetrap or Witness for the Prosecution during a sojourn to London’s West End, and for good reason. The Mousetrap is the longest-running play in the city, and Christie the first and only female playwright to have ever had three plays running simultaneously here. But murder mystery lovers only need to head to Pedley Street Station in Bethnal Green if they want something a bit different – and just as entertaining.

It’s at this unassuming (and fictional) train station – tucked away under Arch 63 – you’ll board a train to Murdér, France, along with the coveted Jewel of the Empire for The Murder Express: Part Deux. The jewel was discovered by an archeologist and is set to be transported to its new home with an aristocratic family – only everyone on board the train has their own reasons for wanting to get their hands on it.

Archeologist Dr Earhart (Annie McKenzie), who dug up the gem, wants it back in its rightful place in India. Train conductor Tomothy Timmins (James Keningale) could pawn the jewel to win back his long-lost love. Vera Valentine (Abigail Halley) believes the jewel belongs with her family, and enigmatic Russian Saskia Selikov (Margot Cadic)… well, let’s just say she has her reasons. It’s up to Detective Gilbért (George Alexander) to get to the bottom of the case – but could his own hidden motives be at play?

While the Murder Express, produced by Funicular, might not be a direct adaptation of Christie, the show definitely takes pointers from Murder on the Orient Express. It is, however, its own unique experience, with a hilarious – and compelling – storyline, a colourful cast of characters and, of course, some delicious food.

You’ll start of by being handed a newspaper detailing more about the jewel, the events that led to its unearthing and some background flavour on the town of Murdér. Shortly after, you’ll leave the dimly lit platform and its cocktail bar, and board the train itself.

The set-up instantly caught my eye – video screens are set up next to each table setting, acting as windows out onto the fictional landscape that will chart your journey across from London to France in the 1930s.

First comes the amuse bouche – for the experience’s spring/summer 2026 menu we had tapenade and cheese twists, which melted in the mouth. The official starter is a deliciously creamy asparagus velouté, which has its own part to play in the gripping storyline.

The food hails from the AA Rosette winning restaurant Lunar, which has been included in the Michelin Guide. The main course is a roast chicken breast with peppercorn and brandy sauce, with creamed potatoes and broccoli, before a chocolate brownie with ice cream for dessert.

Throughout the meal, you’ll have the chance to complete a crossword puzzle at the back of the newspaper, which will help piece together clues for the final reveal and acts as an additional bit of immersion in the murder mystery.

There’s also plenty of opportunity to interact with the characters themselves – at various points along the journey you’ll chat to each of the suspects and even be subjected to a grilling from the police detective. This was the interaction that really stood out for me – it was such a fun chance to improvise and get a feel for what it’s really like to be in a stage play of my own. Even if I wasn’t very good at coming up with answers on the spot!

After dessert, it’s of course time for the big reveal, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. There are some hints in the crossword puzzle for anyone savvy enough to solve it, which adds an extra thrill if you guess correctly.

Overall, it was the humour that cemented the performance as one of my favourites of 2026. Honourable mentions, however, go to the delicious food, the quality acting and the air conditioning inside the building, which was much needed as London succumbed to another heatwave.