It was Christmas 1978 when a young English actor had his stage debut at the Citizens in Glasgow. Michael Maloney reminisces about his time in Glasgow, where he played the back end of a pantomime cow in Dick Whittington. The experience was filled with laughter and joy, with tickets priced at only 50p.
Fast forward to today, Michael Maloney is a renowned actor on British stage and screen, known for his role as Prime Minister Edward Heath in The Crown and appearances in various TV dramas and films. He is now returning to Glasgow to portray the iconic Hercule Poirot in the first UK stage version of Murder on the Orient Express.
In preparing for the role, Michael shares his secret to a perfect Poirot – his own moustache. He acknowledges the great actors who have previously portrayed Poirot and aims to bring his own expressive touch to the character on stage.
The new production of Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Lucy Bailey, also stars Bob Barrett and Rebecca Charles. This stage adaptation promises plenty of surprises, even for those familiar with the story’s ending.
Michael expresses his thrill to be part of the production and enjoys touring around the UK. He reflects on his past experiences, including a period of caring for his parents and being a single parent to his daughter, which temporarily shifted his focus away from theatre.
Having discovered his passion for acting in school, Michael pursued a career in theatre and is now delighted to see his daughter, Martha, following in his footsteps. Martha, a recent graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, is currently working on a project with former Poirot actor David Suchet.
Michael acknowledges the changes in the industry, noting the shift from a structured system of repertory theatre to a more dynamic and unpredictable landscape for aspiring actors.
As Murder on the Orient Express prepares for its run at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow, Michael Maloney looks forward to captivating audiences with his portrayal of Hercule Poirot and creating memorable moments on stage.
