Graham Percy is delving deep into the mind of one of literature's most beloved detectives as he prepares to portray Hercule Poirot in Vertigo Theatre's upcoming production of Peril in the Alps.
A Sequel to a Smash Hit
Percy takes on the role of Agatha Christie's eccentric Belgian detective in this new play by American playwright Steven Dietz. Peril in the Alps serves as a direct sequel to last season's Murder on the Links, which became one of Vertigo Theatre's most successful productions. The previous installment was so popular that the company had to add extra performances to meet audience demand during its run last year.
The actor describes Poirot as a character who is not damaged but rather defined by his quirks. "People like being around him because they know they can count on him," Percy explains. He emphasizes that the detective's love for life, puzzles, food, fine clothing, and above all, the truth, are central to his character.
Stepping Into Iconic Shoes
Percy acknowledges the weight of portraying a character previously played by some of acting's greatest talents. He considers David Suchet's portrayal as the "gold standard," noting how Suchet made Poirot feel like a real outsider and communicated volumes through subtle gestures.
In his research, the actor also studied Peter Ustinov's performance in Death on the Nile, finding a cheekiness to his interpretation, and Albert Finney's younger, angrier Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express. While he admires Kenneth Branagh as an actor, Percy feels Branagh's recent interpretations have turned Poirot into more of an action hero, something he consciously avoids in his own portrayal.
"I'm more like Poirot," Percy admits. "We're both a little overweight. We like being the loner, but we are trustworthy and we are loyal, and that is certainly what the script in Peril in the Alps calls for."
The Mystery Unfolds
In Vertigo Theatre's production, the plot finds Poirot's friend Hastings seeking his help after someone kidnaps his sister-in-law. The detective had previously saved her, establishing a connection to the case. Poirot is already investigating the disappearance of another woman and suspects the two cases might be connected—which they are.
What the brilliant detective doesn't realize is that he himself is the true target of the kidnappers. The mystery becomes a personal vendetta, with Poirot at the center of a dangerous game of revenge that will test his legendary deductive skills like never before.
