Even if you did not know that Rehearsal for Murder was the product of Bill Kenwright’s Classic Theatre Company, it would only be a matter of minutes until the penny dropped.

This captivating piece of theatre, set in a West End theatre in 1989, is obviously almost entirely inspired by Agatha Christie.

Playwright Alex Dennison (Robert Daws) is seemingly looking for some sort of cathartic epiphany by assembling the cast of a previously play, which flopped, at the very same theatre one year on.

Oh, and it is also the one year anniversary of his movie star fiancée and leading lady Monica’s (Amy Robbins) supposed suicide.

Daws is mild-mannered and hauntingly poetic in his dialogue with the rest of the cast and his new play – or rather a mish-mash of unrelated scenes – is designed to tease out what really happened to Monica.

He says he likes a story which leads you in one direction before throwing you off-course entirely and that is exactly what Rehearsal for Murder does. Several times.

Rehearsal for Murder has a strong cast and appealing plot for those who were fans of Kenwright’s Agatha Christie Theatre Company.

Though it might be a little too syrupy sweet in places, giving it a certain archaic undertone, it hits the spot for anyone who loves a classic, or in this case entirely new, murder mystery.

Rehearsal for Murder is touring until September. For more details and ticket information, visit atgtickets.com/shows/rehearsal-for-murder.