South African theatre audiences are being invited to put their detective skills to the ultimate test as The Murder of Roger Ackroyd arrives at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 21 August to 27 September 2026.
Agatha Christie’s celebrated mystery is getting a brand-new stage adaptation, bringing one of the world’s most famous detectives, Hercule Poirot, back to the spotlight for a murder mystery packed with suspicion, secrets, alibis and twists.
And this time, audiences have a challenge of their own: can you solve the crime before Poirot does?
A murder in the quiet village of King’s Abbot
The story finds Hercule Poirot ostensibly retired in the sleepy village of King’s Abbot, where life appears far removed from the crimes that once occupied his famous “leetle grey cells”.
That peace does not last.
When Roger Ackroyd, the master of Fernly Hall and patriarch of a strangely dysfunctional family, is murdered, Poirot finds himself drawn back into the world he knows best.
With the village doctor and police inspector alongside him, Poirot must navigate a tangled web of motives, suspicions and alibis to uncover the truth.
For someone who once believed he could leave crime-solving behind and concentrate on growing prize-winning marrows, the murder presents a rather compelling reminder: solving crimes may simply be what Poirot does best.
Christie’s mystery gets a new life on stage
Adapted for the stage by Mark Shanahan, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd promises to bring the intrigue of Christie’s beloved crime novel into a live theatrical setting.
Directed by Alan Swerdlow and designed by Denis Hutchinson, the production combines mystery, humour and suspense as Poirot works his way through a labyrinth of possible motives and competing stories.
For audiences familiar with Agatha Christie, the production promises the thrills, surprises and gasp-inducing twists associated with the Queen of Murder Mysteries.
For newcomers, it offers an opportunity to experience one of Christie’s most enduring mysteries in a completely new way.
A star-studded cast of Christie favourites
Returning to the role of Hercule Poirot is Alan Committie, who leads an ensemble featuring several familiar faces from Christie productions.
Joining him are Graham Hopkins, Dianne Simpson, Sharon Spiegel Wagner, Mike Huff, Brett Kruger and Michael Richard.
The production also introduces a new group of suspects, with Russel Savadier, Louise Saint-Claire, Mary-Anne Wright, Sarah Wolhuter and Dean Goldblum joining the cast.
With a murder to solve and a house full of potential suspects, every character could hold a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Can you crack the case?
That is the real invitation behind The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
Audiences will have the opportunity to follow Poirot’s investigation, weigh the evidence and question the motives of those around him while attempting to reach the solution before the detective himself.
But in a Christie mystery, appearances can be deceptive.
An innocent-looking detail may prove significant. An apparently convincing alibi may hide something darker. And the person who seems least likely to be involved may deserve a second look.
The result is a theatrical experience designed to keep audiences guessing until the mystery finally unravels.
Catch it at Montecasino
The Johannesburg production runs from 21 August to 27 September 2026, with updated dates confirmed for the city.
Performances are scheduled as follows:
- Wednesday – Friday: 7:30pm
- Saturday: 3pm and 7:30pm
- Sunday: 3pm
Whether you’re a lifelong Agatha Christie fan, a theatre enthusiast or simply love a good mystery, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd offers an invitation to step inside one of literature’s most intriguing murder investigations.
The only question is whether you will figure it out before Poirot does.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd — At a Glance
Venue: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre
Dates: 21 August – 27 September 2026
Wednesday – Friday: 7:30pm
Saturday: 3pm & 7:30pm
Sunday: 3pm
Adapted by: Mark Shanahan
Directed by: Alan Swerdlow
Designed by: Denis Hutchinson
Bookings: Webtickets
The case is open. The suspects are waiting. The question is: can you solve The Murder of Roger Ackroyd before Hercule Poirot?
