From The White Lotus to The Perfect Couple, our obsession with a good whodunnit has never been stronger. The thrill of suspicion, the slow unraveling of clues, the final reveal — there’s something undeniably captivating about a well-crafted mystery. And now, Auckland Theatre Company is inviting fans to experience the genre at its finest, in the setting that started it all.
Murder on the Orient Express isn’t simply a murder mystery — it’s the original murder mystery. Agatha Christie’s most famous tale, adapted by Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig, unfolds in the opulent world of first-class train travel. The year is 1934, and a snowdrift has halted the Orient Express in its tracks. Trapped aboard with a host of enigmatic passengers, the legendary Hercule Poirot must unravel a murder. Played by Cameron Rhodes (King Lear, North by Northwest), Poirot takes audiences deep into a labyrinth of motives and misdirection, where nothing is as it seems.
Unlike a film or TV show, where the mystery plays out from a distance, theatre pulls you into the intrigue, making every revelation feel immediate and electrifying. Murder on the Orient Express masterfully balances suspense with lighthearted moments — cleverly funny without veering into slapstick — ensuring an experience that’s as entertaining as it is gripping. With its timeless appeal, this classic mystery is perfect for all audiences, from longtime Christie fans to first-time sleuths — young and old alike.
So, make a night of it — immerse yourself in the drama, the glamour, and the mystery. And to set the scene before the curtain rises, we’ve curated the best pre-show spots nearby for dining and drinks, with something for every taste and proclivity.
Esther
Found in the heart of Viaduct Harbour’s QT Hotel (just around the corner from ASB Waterfront Theatre), Esther offers diners the ultimate theatre-going experience with its Feasting Menu — a culinary concept that serves delicious two- and three-course dinners. Sean Connolly’s signature dishes are Mediterranean-inspired, with subtle nods to comforting, home-cooked fare, and always surprise and delight.
Somm Wine Bar & Bistro
This chic destination is a wine-focused experience, serving a seriously impressive selection from some of the country’s finest makers. The food here complements its beverage offering beautifully, with cheeses, charcuterie and pillowy pizzas alongside small plates to share; a pre-show dinner that will never disappoint.
Baduzzi
At this beloved eatery, that happens to just be a hop, skip, and a jump away from the theatre, Italian-inspired food and wines fill the menu. You’ll find the likes of delicious beef short ribs, Karitane crayfish meatballs (there’s a whole section in the menu dedicated to the eatery’s hand-crafted meatballs), and countless handmade pastas amongst Baduzzi’s must-try dishes. Washed down with a glass of Italian Bianchi, of course.
Onemata
If you find yourself drawn to a matinee show, Onemata’s Express Lunch menu is the only way to begin the experience. Two courses here are served for $58 per person, where guests can choose an entree and main from a stunning menu. Or, if you’re heading to the theatre in the evening, stop by beforehand and enjoy a tasty dish and a glass of bubbles before settling in just across the road for the show.
Amano
Undoubtedly one of Auckland’s most popular eateries, Amano is consistently humming with hungry punters around the clock. The eatery offers a delicious Italian-inspired menu that highlights seasonal, local produce (the pasta dishes are a particular highlight), and with a raft of unmissable sharing plates, this is a more than perfect spot for a bite and cocktail in the early evening.
Hello Beasty
One of the many gems in Viaduct Harbour’s glistening gastronomic crown, Hello Beasty draws inspiration from Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine, and as such, offers flavourful fare that promises to expand your culinary horizons. Dinner is the perfect time to visit, ideally with a hearty appetite, so to sample as many dishes as possible — as choosing just a few is near-impossible. The drinks are sublime too.
Ortolana
This iconic restaurant is small but mighty. Offering a curated and concise menu, and an intimate, calm setting, Ortolana is one spot to which we always find ourselves returning for dinner in the Britomart precinct. With a pre-show dinner menu, the service is swift (if needed), and the fresh pasta is always divine.
Secure your spot at this unmissable showcase, here.
Auckland Theatre Company presents Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
When: 22nd April — 10th May
Where: ASB Waterfront Theatre
