WE all know the routine for Agatha Christie mysteries. Someone dies then some clever person needs to work out who did it. And it was no different for Murder On The Nile, which is showing at the Wycombe Swan this week. What does make it special is the brilliant cast who bring the story to life.

Kate O'Mara and Denis Lill are first class in the play, with O'Mara providing most of the laughs.

It seemed effortless for the former Dynasty actress to portray the snooty Miss ffoliot-ffoulkes, although she told me beforehand she had to try her best to portray the loathsome character.

And Lill was brilliant as the logical and intelligent Canon Pennefather.

The audience watch the play take place on a boat on the river Nile, which is wonderfully staged.

Kay Mostyn, played by Susie Amy, and Simon Mostyn (Ben Nealon) are on their honeymoon trying to escape Simon's former fiancée and best friend of Kay, Jacqueline de Severac (Chloe Newsome) as she pursues them across the globe.

All three end up on the same boat, which also has Miss ffoliot-ffoulkes and her niece, Christina Grant (Jennifer Bryden), quick witted William Smith (Max Hutchinson), Dr Bessner (Mark Wynter) and Louise De Vallois (Vanessa Morley) as passengers on board, as well as the Canon.

The actors, which also included Hambi Pappas as Musa and Sydney Smith as Harun, the steward, are all very convincing in their roles and make the play very easy to watch.

Christie plays attract a loyal audience but I would say this one is definitely worth a watch.

The show is at the Wycombe Swan until Saturday, July 14 at 7.30pm each night with Wed and Sat performances at 2.30pm. Tickets range from £19-£31. To book call 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.