THE vital questions in any newspaper story are who? what? when? why? and where?

That rule also applies to mystery stories.

Agatha Christie's work - whether in print, adapted for film or on stage - always stuck to this structure.

I was once lucky to see a reconstruction in Devon of Poirot's study as well as some of Christie artefacts: a typewriter sat silently on a well-ordered table next to a ticking clock.

I was caught in time.

Now when I see touring productions of her work, I think about that period room and how her mind would have ticked.

And Hercule Poirot's ...

Whodunnits are hit and miss for me as I like to read and re-read the books.

Plays only give you a couple of hours to become a detective.

Black Coffee, however, is very much a massive hit.

I just wish I could have solved it before the final curtain.

Who stole the secret formula documents from Sir Claud's study?

I was clueless, but loved trying to solve the mystery just as I, enjoyed eavesdropping in the bar during the two intetvals as audience members swapped mental notes.

Bill Kenwright's successful touring production allows audiences to see some of our best-loved stage and tv stars appear on the boards.

In Black Coffee, Christie's first play and only one to feature Poirot, there are some household names and all shine throughout.

Hercule Poirot is played by former Heartbeat star Jason Durr.

He has a tough job with fans of the character always comparing any Poirot with David Suchet's 25-year reign as the Belgian sleuth.

But here Jason stamps his own mark on the role.

He is exceptional in that he has a subtle comic touch and his chemistry with hapless Hastings, played by Robin McCallum, works wonderfully.

Durr's penguin-like shuffling and many well-timed pauses punctuated the action throughout two and a half hours of intrigue, red herrings and deftly-handled scenes directed by Joe Harmston.

The drama all takes place on an art deco set which reminded me of the Liverpool Adelphi Hotel.

But there is nothing static about this hugely enjoyable play.

Gary Mavers as Dr Carelli shows what a versatle actor he is - no surprise there coming from the talented Mavers showbiz dynasty.

All performances contribute colour, humour and melodrama to the proceedings.

Deborah Grant is simply superb as Miss Caroline Amory.

And Martin Carroll is a polished Tredwell the butler.

This is an Agatha Christie play that brings her characters alive from the page thanks to the 13-strong cast.

Poirot himself would love to read such a positive review.

Who did it? why did they do it? what did they do it for? when did they do it and where did they do it?

This is where I came in.

You will have to go and find out for yourself.

A theatrical treat awaits.

9/10 - Belgian Chocolate Delight.

The show ends its Floral Pavilion run on Saturday, November 1.

Tickets are from the box office in 0151 666 0000.