AGATHA Christie’s iconic murder mystery starts with a scream and ends with, not a whimper, but a thoughtful sigh of relief.

With 60 glorious years under its belt, this London play is the longest running theatre production in the world and, now a major touring production, celebrates an achievement that is unlikely ever to be matched.

A solid and professional cast and a lavish set bring a touch of magic to a classic whodunnit that begins with a murder and, in true Christie fashion, brings together a varied collection of suspects for the audience to try and work out the villain.

The scene is a snow-bound country manor house which the owners have turned into a guest house, attracting five customers who all seem to have something in common with the murdered woman.

Red herrings and false leads enhance a lively plot that, in spite of being completely unbelievable, still manages to capture the attention and imagination of audiences 60 years after it was first staged, starting its long life in 1947 as a 30-minute radio play written especially for the Queen’s grandmother, Queen Mary.

This first ever UK tour of the play is at Poole for the rest of the week and well-deserved full houses are pretty much guaranteed.

MARION COX