Cards on the Table

1936: The enigmatic Mr Shaitana hosts an unusual dinner party.

His guests include four sleuths - including Hercule Poirot - and four suspected murderers.

After dinner, the guests play bridge, with the sleuths in one room and the suspects in another, where Shaitana watches on.

By the end of the game, Shaitana has been fatally stabbed with a weapon from his collection.

Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffat as the Belgian sleuth.

First published in 1936 novel and dramatised by Michael Bakewell.

Hercule Poirot …… John Moffatt
Mr Shaitana …… Christopher Godwin
Ariadne Oliver …… Stephanie Cole
Colonel Race …… Donald Sinden
Supt Battle …… Ioan Meredith
Mrs Lorrimer …… Mary Wimbush
Dr Roberts …… David Timson
Major Despard …… Nigel Anthony
Anne Meredith …… Helen Longworth
Rhoda Dawes …… Sarah Paul
Mrs Luxmore …… Marlene Sidaway
Stephens …… Ewan Bailey

Director: Enyd Williams.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.