Don’t miss Agatha and the Midnight Murder

When Agatha Christie passed away in 1976, she left behind an astounding body of work, including dozens of crime novels revolving around detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, as well as short story collections and plays.

Over the years, the majority of Christie’s tales have been adapted for cinema, TV, radio and radio, and, try as they might, screenwriters, directors and producers find it tricky bringing something fresh to Christie’s tales.

The next major Christie adaptation is likely to be the BBC’s version of historical whodunit Death Comes as the End in 2021.

But before that, her fans are being treated to another fictional chapter of the author’s own life, courtesy of writer Tom Dalton, who penned Channel 5’s previous alternative history hits, Agatha and the Truth of Murder and Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar.

Helen Baxendale takes over from Ruth Bradley and Lyndsey Marshal to play Christie in Agatha and the Midnight Murder, a new feature-length drama set during the Blitz. Although she is no stranger to Christie dramas – she appeared in episodes of Miss Marple in 2008 and Poirot in 2013 – playing the author herself is a something of a change in direction for the Cold Feet, Friends, Cuckoo and Noughts + Crosses actress.

“I really like a character that takes me away from myself and a look that just isn’t me and so I loved it,” she says. “I don’t really get the chance to do many period roles. I am normally cast in contemporary drama, so it was a treat. My costume is mostly original 1940s clothing and I had a piece wig which was fun. I just knew it would be good fun playing Agatha Christie! I had been in Agatha Christie dramas before – a Marple and a Poirot set in different eras, but obviously playing Christie herself is a whole other thing.”

Joining Helen in the cast is Blake Harrison (aka The Inbetweeners’ Neil) who plays returning character Travis Pickford from the Truth of Murder, as well as Alistair Petrie (Sex Education) and Elizabeth Tan (The Singapore Grip).

It’s London 1940, and as the Blitz rages, Agatha’s future is threatened by fallout from the war. Considering the success of her novels, she should be a rich woman, but instead, she is struggling to make ends meet. America’s financial chokehold of Britain has cut off her royalties and the tax authorities in the US and UK are investigating her.

After 12 Poirot novels in six years, killing off her most popular character in the midst of this turmoil would seem almost spiteful, but needs must, and the pragmatic and resourceful Agatha has a plan. She is selling the novel of Poirot’s death to a private buyer, a superfan who will pay a fortune to own a piece of history and keep the beloved detective alive.

Fourteen years ago, Agatha met Travis, a charming grifter who transformed himself from murder suspect to ally during her 11-day disappearance.

So who better to help broker a dubious deal than a man for whom skirting the law is career necessity?

Having agreed his cut, Travis arranges a late-night exchange at an infamous London hotel. Will the shady deal go ahead without any drama or complications?

If Agatha Christie is involved, that would appear highly unlikely.

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