Calgary's Vertigo Theatre has done it again, delivering a holiday hit with Peril in the Alps, a slick and uproarious whodunnit that promises to be even more popular than its predecessor. This latest spoof of Agatha Christie's works by American playwright Steven Dietz opened on November 27, 2025, and is already generating the kind of audience enthusiasm that necessitated extra performances for last year's production, Murder on the Links.
A Convoluted Case for Poirot
Thankfully, the intrepid Hercule Poirot is on the case to unravel the convoluted mysteries at the heart of the play. The plot kicks into gear when the newly married Captain Hastings discovers his sister-in-law has been kidnapped. He rushes to Poirot, who is already investigating the disappearance of another woman's husband. The brilliant detective quickly deduces the two cases are linked, but the greater revelation is that Poirot himself is the intended target of a dastardly duo.
The investigation leads Poirot and Hastings from the streets of London to the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps. One of the production's standout comic scenes involves both men attempting to ski—a sight never imagined for Christie's famously fussy Belgian detective.
A Fresh Take on Classic Characters
Director and playwright Steven Dietz, who is also an actor, revels in theatricality, and it shows. He employs a convention similar to Patrick Barlow’s The 39 Steps, where four actors play a staggering 25 different characters alongside the two central figures. This leads to rapid, entertaining character changes that delight the audience.
Graham Percy’s portrayal of Poirot is a departure from the norm. He forgoes the overly mannered and eccentric traits often associated with the character, creating a Poirot who is exacting and has little patience for fools. This interpretation feels more akin to Sherlock Holmes, with Austin Halarewich’s Captain Hastings serving as his devoted Dr. Watson.
Engaging Directly with the Audience
Halarewich’s Hastings also acts as the play's narrator, frequently coming to the edge of the stage to address the audience directly. He makes Hastings an amiable and relatable guide, with his most notable trait being his sheer awe for Poirot's legendary 'little grey cells.' The other actors join in the meta-theatrical fun, acknowledging the crowd with winks and nudges.
With its clever parody, breakneck pace, and superb cast, Peril in the Alps is positioned to become the must-see theatrical event of the season in Calgary. Its slick production and hearty audience response suggest that, just like last year, Vertigo Theatre may be adding extra performances to meet demand.
