Poirot star David Suchet will lead the cast of a major revival of T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral at a Richmond church this autumn.

The Orange Tree Theatre production will take place at St John the Divine Church, with previews beginning on 12 October and the show running until 7 November 2026.

Suchet, the Emmy Award-winning actor best known for playing detective Hercule Poirot, will portray Thomas Becket in the verse drama, which explores the conflict between religious and political power.

The production will be directed by Orange Tree Theatre artistic director Tom Littler, working alongside the theatre's community director, Francesca Ellis.

The cast also includes Mensah Bediako as Third Priest, Ben Caplan as Second Tempter and Second Knight, Paul Hickey as Second Priest, Jyuddah Jaymes as First Tempter and First Knight, Michael Lyle as First Priest, Nick Sampson as Third Tempter and Third Knight, Jad Sayegh as Messenger, and David Yelland as Fourth Tempter and Fourth Knight.

In addition, the Chorus in Richmond will be led by Sally Cheng, Sonya Cullingford, Chyna-Rose Frederick and Rebecca Thorn, while the Women of Canterbury will be played by a community ensemble.

The production will feature live music composed by Orlando Gough, bringing together a professional cast and local community performers.

Set in 1170, Murder in the Cathedral follows Thomas Becket's return to Canterbury after his relationship with King Henry II breaks down.

Once close allies, the king and archbishop have become enemies, with Becket's return placing him at risk of the monarch's anger.

As the women of Canterbury seek shelter in the cathedral, four knights set out on a deadly mission.

Written in 1935 and first performed in 1935, the play examines questions of worldly and spiritual authority, faith, doubt, temptation and martyrdom.

Tom Littler said: "Murder in the Cathedral is one of the great achievements of twentieth century verse drama, and Eliot's questions of conscience and power feel as urgent now as when he wrote them."

Littler also highlighted the involvement of the community ensemble, saying he was proud that local performers would play the Women of Canterbury.

This continues the theatre's commitment to building links with the people and communities around it, he added.

Murder in the Cathedral is supported by Linda Christmas. Tickets and further information are available through the Orange Tree Theatre website.

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