The world’s most fastidious detective is back on South African stages, and he’s bringing all the drama, wit, and those legendary “leetle grey cells” with him in Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee.

• Black Coffee is the first play ever written by the ‘Queen of Crime’ herself, Agatha Christie.
• It is also the play that originally introduced her iconic character, Hercule Poirot, to the stage.
• What begins as an intellectual espionage caper quickly spirals into a tangled web of murder and deceit.
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Agatha Christie and her classic stories have, over the past years, found a new life in Hollywood with the latest portrayal of Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile and A Haunting in Venice bringing new audiences to the master of murder mystery stories.

Set just before the outbreak of the Second World War, Black Coffee unravels a mystery as timeless as it is thrilling: the theft of top-secret atomic formulae from the safe of a renowned British physicist. Enemy spies, family intrigue, and a trail of clues only one man can decipher set the stage for an unforgettable evening of classic whodunit theatre.

Known for his razor-sharp comic timing and an impressive range on stage, Alan Committie steps into a role once made famous in South Africa by the late, great Bill Flynn. It’s a casting choice that promises a fresh yet faithful take on Poirot – a man of charm, quirks, and a brain sharper than any dagger in the back.

Joining Alan is Ashley Dowds in the ever-loyal role of Captain Hastings, Poirot’s friend, assistant, and occasional comic foil. The pairing is sure to add warmth and humour to the high-stakes plot, as they work together to outwit shadowy agents and uncover the truth.

The production marks a return to the stage for Anne Williams, a beloved performer from the early days of Pieter Toerien productions and a recognisable voice from South African radio. Her presence on stage brings a sense of nostalgia and gravitas that long-time theatre lovers will appreciate. Fans of last year’s smash-hit Witness for the Prosecution will be pleased to see several cast members returning to the boards. Mike Huff, Peter Terry, Brett Kruger, and Dianne Simpson all reprise their on-stage excellence in new roles, creating a sense of continuity for Agatha Christie devotees.

The cast also includes some exciting new and returning talent. LAMTA graduate Jackie Lulu makes her professional debut, stepping into the world of high-stakes mystery with fresh energy and enthusiasm. Schoeman Smit, who was last seen in Sweeney Todd, brings his versatile performance style to the production, while stage veteran Michael Richard – undoubtedly one of South African theatre’s crown jewels – rounds out the ensemble with characteristic command and flair.

Behind the scenes, the production is guided by a team of seasoned theatre creatives. Direction is in the capable hands of Alan Swerdlow, who brings both vision and understanding to Agatha Christie’s work. Denis Hutchinson provides his expert lighting design, crafting the visual mood and tension essential to any great murder mystery. Sarah Roberts lends her distinctive touch to costume and set design, supported by the detailed construction work of Nadine Minnaar and her team. Sound design maestro Adam Howard completes the atmospheric package, ensuring every creaking floorboard, ticking clock, and shocking gunshot rings true.

Black Coffee opens on the Main Stage of the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino and runs until 1 June 2025, and promises a theatrical experience steeped in suspense, period elegance, and polished performances. With performances scheduled from Wednesday to Friday at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 7:30pm, and Sundays at 3pm, audiences will have ample opportunity to catch this captivating production.

With nuclear secrets on the line and bodies piling up, it’s a case only Hercule Poirot could solve – and with Alan Committie leading the investigation, audiences are in for a performance that’s as brilliant as it is entertaining.

Murder, espionage, and moustaches await. The game is afoot – and it’s never been this stylish. Tickets range from R150 to R300 and are available through Webtickets and the theatre box office.

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