IT is stiflingly hot. The sun is relentless. And the pressure builds.

It is the Middle East in the 1930s and this is a classic whodunnit.

The scarlet-lipped women sip gin on the deck of the luxury Nile steamer.

The men straighten their bow ties before discussing politics and religion.

In this production at the Oxford Playhouse the atmosphere builds as soon as the curtain rises.

Staged by the Official Agatha Christie Theatre Company, Murder on the Nile is classic Christie.

Honeymooners Simon Mostyn (Ben Nealon, best known as Lt Forsythe in Soldier Soldier) and his wealthy socialite wife Kay (Susie Amy, from ITV drama Footballers’ Wives) find themselves being pursued by one of his old flames.

But all is not what it seems as a web of intrigue and deception begins to unfold.

Other than the ones Christie intended, there are few surprises in this production.

The set – a boat deck with a couple of wicker chairs and a bar – is simple but effective.

And the lack of frills means the drama truly does take centre stage.

I doubt there was a single member of the audience who did not jump in their seat when the pistol shots were fired.

The stand out performance was from Claire Marlowe, who portrays spurned ex Jacqueline de Severac as a nervy, anxious woman who is as sympathetic as she is capable of murder.

There is something bizzarely comforting about Agatha Christie despite the fact you know a murder is about to take place.

And fans will not be disappointed with this latest production.

  • Murder on the Nile runs at the Oxford Playhouse until Saturday. For tickets go to the box office or call on 01865 305305. Tickets start from £17.50.