For their first production of the 2026 calendar year, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is presenting the play Murder on the Orient Express in partnership with Citadel Theatre.

Adapted by Ken Ludwig from the famous novel by the “Queen of Crime” Agatha Christie, the play follows detective Hercule Poirot’s trip on the Orient Express. During the trip, a fellow passenger is found murdered, leading Poirot to investigate the train’s intriguing passengers.

Ray Strachan, an alumnus of U of M and of the Black Hole Theatre Company, plays the role of Constantine Bouc, who runs the Orient Express and is an old friend of Poirot. He described M. Bouc as a “bon vivant” and comedic relief who keeps the audience on track with the mystery. 

“He’s the audience’s eye on the stage [because] a lot of things go by really fast,” Strachan explained. “A lot of times you have questions, and if you miss it, then you’re done. So, it’s a nice way to add a little bit of levity, a little bit of comedy, and to make sure the audience is clear on what’s going on.” 

Strachan said one of the highlights of playing M. Bouc is the opportunity to perform a comedic role, drawing inspiration from performers such as Cab Calloway. Known for dramatic performances in The Mountaintop and appearing in Shakespearean plays, Strachan expressed that he has not had the chance to play comedic roles often. 

“[M. Bouc is] just so fun […] He has a great spirit,” Strachan stated. “He knows when people are down, he doesn’t like when people are down around him […] He just loves everyone to be in a good mood and happy and feel like they’re taken care of.” 

Strachan stated that most of his castmates were familiar with Christie’s novel. However, he stated that he chose to primarily work from the play’s script alone. He acknowledged that this approach was not for everyone. 

“I’m one of the actors [who], when I do a play or movie, I don’t read the book [it’s based on]. I’ll do some research, but I […] like a blank slate,” he explained. 

In working on Murder on the Orient Express, Strachan expressed enjoyment in working with his castmates, many of whom he had never worked with before. For example, Strachan had not worked closely with fellow actor Alex Poch Goldin, who plays Poirot. Despite this, Strachan said it felt like they had worked together for years. 

“It really felt like the first day of school when we did our first read,” he recalled. “We say that in theatre, ‘first day feels,’ but this was really ‘first day feels’ with a lot of new faces from out of town […] They bring a new vibe.”

When asked what he thinks audiences will love about Murder on the Orient Express, he highlighted the show’s story and the diverse cast of characters from various countries, referring to it as the “accent Olympics.” He also mentioned the overall stage design — set, lighting and sound — done by Brian Perchaluk, Dave Clarke and Hugh Conacher.

While much of the play focuses on the mystery, the play can spark discussion on justice and how to carry it out.

“It’s not just a comedy [or] murder-mystery. There’s a real introspective look in the mirror about what you think justice is and what [it] means to carry out justice,” Strachan reflected. 

Strachan finished by encouraging U of M students to not only support professional theatre, but to support student actors, like those at the U of M theatre program where he started. “If you’re on campus […] go and support [them] because they’re the artists of the future,” he urged. “That’s where I came from. And it’s so gratifying to see people of your own age supporting you and other students.”

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production of Murder on the Orient Express opens on Jan. 14 and runs through Feb. 7. For tickets and more information, visit royalmtc.com.