Bristol Riverside Theatre’s ‘Alibi’ melds mystery and community

Alibi
‘Alibi’ is set to hit the stage at Bristol Riverside Theatre later this month.
PROVIDED / BRT

Audiences will have quite a mystery on their hands this summer when ‘Alibi‘ hits the stage at Bristol Riverside Theatre. The gripping whodunit is a sharp and stylish adaptation of legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie’s ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.’

Set to premiere on May 29, the suspenseful and witty production runs through June 15 at Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol.

‘Alibi’ promises audiences excitement and plenty of laughs as they join one of Christie’s most iconic characters—Detective Hercule Poirot—on a twisty trail of secrets and murder. The brilliant Belgian sleuth is played by Philadelphia’s Benjamin Lloyd, joined by a cast of more than 20 principal actors and local community members, coming together for an exciting collaboration—BRT’s first community-integrated production since 2019.

“We love having the enthusiasm of community members on our stage,” said Ken Kaissar. “Our regulars work on plays every day, but it’s a unique experience for community members, and they get to see firsthand what goes into every production. They definitely come out of it having a deeper appreciation of and connection with live theatre.”

Set in a seemingly quiet English village, ‘Alibi’ begins as Poirot settles into retirement hoping for peace and quiet. But when his neighbor Sir Roger Ackroyd (played by Johnny Fernandez) is murdered under suspicious  circumstances, Poirot is drawn back into action. With secrets, blackmail, and betrayal around every  corner, every character becomes a suspect—and any detail could be the clue that cracks the case.

BRT’S co-producing director Ken Kaissar takes the helm on this new production of the murder mystery classic, adapted by Amy Kaissar (BRT’s other co-producing director).

‘Alibi’ opens with preview performances on Tuesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28. The opening night show is set for May 29 and runs through June 15. For information and tickets, visit brtstage.org