Agatha Christie, the iconic “Queen of Mystery,” is celebrated for her ingenious detective novels, but her brilliance extended beyond the written word. The world of theater witnessed a surge of suspense, intrigue, and exceptional storytelling with the adaptation of her mystery novels into riveting plays. As we journey through the dimly lit corridors of her theatrical creations, we’ll discover the allure of Agatha Christie’s stage works, where audiences are lured into a web of deception, only to emerge at the edge of their seats, eager to solve the enigma. (For the sake of this article, we’ve only included mystery stage plays written by Christie, omitting screen plays, teleplays and a work or two in other genres)

1. “Black Coffee” (1930) Hercule Poirot investigates a murder that takes place during a family gathering.

2. “The Secret of Chimneys” (1931) A detective story featuring political intrigue, a missing memoir, and murder.

3. Love from a Stranger (1936) It follows the story of Cecily Harrington, a young woman who falls in love and marries a charming stranger. However, as she settles into her new life, she begins to suspect that her husband might not be who he appears to be, leading to a tense and suspenseful exploration of deception and danger.

4. “Ten Little Indians” (1943, also known as “And Then There Were None”, “Ten Little Soldiers”) Ten strangers are invited to a remote island, and they are mysteriously killed one by one following a nursery rhyme.

5. Murder on the Nile (1944) Set aboard a paddle steamer cruising the Nile River, it follows the investigation of a murder that occurs during the journey.

6. “Appointment with Death” (1945) Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of a wealthy woman during a vacation in the Middle East.

7. “The Rats” (1947)  A psychological thriller involving a murder, blackmail, and a complex web of secrets.

8. “The Hollow” (1951) A weekend gathering at a country house takes a dark turn when a murder occurs.

9. “The Mousetrap” (1952) A murder mystery set in a guesthouse where guests are snowed in, and one of them is a murderer. With over 70 years of performances, it’s the longest-running show of all time.

10. “Witness for the Prosecution” (1953) A courtroom drama where a man is accused of murder, and his wife’s testimony becomes a key element in the trial.

11. “Spider’s Web” (1954) A crime writer gets involved in a real-life mystery when a murder takes place in her home.

12. “Towards Zero” (1956) Superintendent Battle investigates a murder that occurs during a house party at Gull’s Point.

13. “Verdict” (1958) Description: A courtroom drama where a murder trial becomes the backdrop for a tense exploration of guilt and innocence.

14. “The Unexpected Guest” (1958) A man finds himself at the scene of a murder and decides to help the woman accused of the crime.

15. “Go Back for Murder” (1960) A woman investigates her mother’s murder years after her mother was convicted of killing her father.

16. “The Pale Horse” (1960) A murder mystery where a priest investigates a series of suspicious deaths linked to a sinister inn.

17. Akhnaton (1973) The play explores the life and reign of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhnaton and his attempt to transform the ancient Egyptian religion. It delves into the complexities of power, spirituality, and the consequences of revolutionary ideas. It was originally written in 1937, around the same time she was writing Death on the Nile.

In the realm of theater, Agatha Christie’s plays remain timeless treasures that continue to captivate and entertain audiences around the world. Her ability to craft intricate plots, memorable characters, and unexpected twists is a testament to her enduring legacy. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a newcomer to the world of Agatha Christie, her plays promise an immersive experience, where the thrill of the unknown is waiting just around the corner. So, the next time you seek an evening of suspense and exhilaration, consider attending one of Agatha Christie’s theatrical mysteries, where the stage becomes a canvas for crime, and every clue leads to a thrilling revelation.