Robert Powell in Poirot role

The man best known for playing Jesus in Franco Zefferelli’s Jesus of Nazareth has been cast as the fastidious sleuth in Black Coffee at Milton Keynes Theatre from April 28 - May 3.

He’s supported by a stellar band including Lisa Goddard, star of Bergerac and Give us a Clue, as well as Gary Mavers – heart-throb doctor Andrew Attwood in Peak Practice – and Ben Nelson, Captain Forsythe in Soldier, Soldier.

Black Coffee was Dame Agatha Christie’s debut play. The action takes place at a quintessentially English country estate, thrown into chaos following the murder of eccentric inventor Sir Claud Amory and the theft of his new earth-shattering formula.

Arriving at the estate just moments too late, one man immediately senses a potent brew of despair, treachery and deception. That man is Hercule Poirot.

Agatha Christie’s grandson Mathew Prichard, chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd, said he was delighted Robert had agreed to take on the role and added: “His appearance will be the icing on the cake of a real treat that lies in store for everyone who goes to see they play.”

The award-winning actor received a BAFTA nomination for Jesus of Nazareth. He’s also starred in numerous films including The 39 Steps and Shaka Zulu.

His extensive stage performances range from Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell to The Picture of Dorian Gray and Single Spies.

> Call the Box Office on 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes