Robert Powell is just Grand

Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee will be at the Grand Theatre , from Monday - Saturday, May 19-24, starring Robert Powell.

Powell plays the renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who arrives moments too late at a quintessential English country estate, following the murder of eccentric inventor Sir Claud Amory and the theft of his new earth shattering formula.

It was Agatha Christie’s first play and the character Poirot has been immortalised by a number of famous actors in the past, including Albert Finney, Sir Peter Ustinov and David Suchet.

The detective appeared in 33 of the crime writer’s novels and more than 50 short stories, but only ever appeared in one play – Black Coffee. To this day, Hercule Poirot remains the only fictitious character to receive a front-page obituary in the New York Times.

Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson and chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd, said: “I am so pleased that Robert Powell has agreed to play Poirot in [this] production of Black Coffee. He will be the latest in a long line of distinguished actors to play the role.”

Powell has appeared many times at The Grand, known for his roles in The 39 Steps, Four Feathers and Shaka Zulu and was nominated for a BAFTA for his portrayal of Jesus in Franco Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth.

Monday 19 – Saturday 24 May: Evenings 7.30pm; Wednesday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm; Tickets: £17.50 to £28.50; Concession: £3 off.

The £1.50 booking fee is now INCLUDED in all stated ticket prices. Call Box Office on 01253 74 33 39 or visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk.