Those of us familiar with Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, as it was in the 1937 novel or big-budget film adaptation of 1978, are likely to consider that a stage version of the story without Hercule Poirot is a bit like Hamlet minus the Prince. In fact, Murder on the Nile is one of four Poirot stories that were turned into plays by the author herself — this one with a slight change of title — with the dapper Belgian detective omitted. The Queen of Crime considered him too difficult to cast and was possibly worried, too, about his tendency to dominate proceedings.

For the sake of not spoiling things I shall not reveal which of the passengers aboard the paddle steamer Lotus exercises her or his little grey cells in solving the crime that disfigures their Nile cruise. Nor shall I name the victim, he or she only emerging as such midway through the drama. What I can say, though, is that the play places before us a relishable assortment of oddball characters — most of them reassuringly upper-crust — whose foibles and wit supply a fine two hours of entertainment.

Who can fail to laugh at the star turn of Kate O’Mara (pictured) as the odious old snob Miss ffoliot-ffoulkes, whose principal entertainment comes from giving the run-around to her submissive niece-cum-attendant (Jennifer Bryden)? There’s much to enjoy, too, in Agatha Christie Theatre Company regulars Denis Lill as a savvy cleric and Mark Wynter as one of the writer’s funny foreigners, this one a doctor who says things like “the signs on the wall of great interest are”. Susie Amy plays “the richest young woman in England”, Ben Nealon her new husband, Chloe Newsome that gentleman’s previous fiancée, jealous naturally.

The acting is mannered, the setting (designer Simon Scullion) stylish. Directed by Joe Harmston, the play is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, at Wycombe Swan from next Monday to Saturday and at Oxford Playhouse from September 3 to 8.