When it comes to playing one of the world’s most famous fictional detectives on stage there is one question which is unavoidable. What about the moustache?

Michael Maloney, who is preparing to bring Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot to The Lowry chuckles at the suggestion he might go for the false moustache to create the Belgian sleuth’s distinctive look.

“Oh, I think it’s got to be a home grown affair,” said Michael whose extensive stage work includes productions with the RSC, the National Theatre and in the West End.

Michael Maloney as Hercule Poirot (Picture: Jay Brooks)

“I’ve had seven weeks from starting rehearsals so I think I’ll be fine. I must say I fancy a bit of twirly whirly at the ends.”

Not for him then the fulsome top lip enhancement as sported by Kenneth Branagh in the movie adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express.

“That was a spectacular moustache wasn’t it?” said Michael. “I loved it. But the problem on stage is that as you get more animated, you have to project more and a fake moustache can literally flop off at any point.

“So the secret is to grow your own, ink it in a bit and do twirly whirlies - I think we’re on to something with that.”

Poirot, arguably the world’s most famous Belgian, has become a firm favourite with lovers of a detective yarn both in print and on stage and screen.

And Michael believes that the combination of Poirot and Agatha Christie still fascinates audiences even though it is 90 years since the character first appeared.

“Each time you set out on a Poirot adventure there is a new adaptation, there is something original about it all over again,” he said.

This new stage version which opens at The Lowry tomorrow night before embarking on a 25-date UK tour, has been adapted by writer Ken Ludwig.

For many people the definitive portrayal of Poirot was by David Suchet on the ITV dramas. So was Michael a little wary of taking on the role?

“What happens is you tend to take the part first and then deal with all the stuff that comes with it later,” said Michael,

“I know there will be people who will say ‘course you’re never going to be as good as David Suchet’. I might not be; he was utterly brilliant after all but that shouldn’t stop you from taking on the role.

“This is a brand new production. I have no qualms about this and of course we are staging it, projecting it as opposed to being on camera dealing with all the subtleties of film. It’s a different medium.

Rebecca Charles and Michael Maloney in rehearsal for Murder On The Orient Express

“Bringing Poirot to the stage gives the audience the full three dimensional hit, we can take them into a new realm.”

Michael is very conscious of the need not to make Poirot a caricature.

“I believe he was based on someone Agatha Christie knew,” said Michael. “She was brought up in Torquay and at that time there were Belgian refugees living in the area fleeing from the First World War.

“So what you have got were these very distinguished men, rather dandily dressed I might add, taking great care of their personal appearance but with nothing else to their name really.

“They were simply existing until the time came when they could go back to where they once were.

The also developed the ability to speak English so much better than the archetypal French or Belgian accent we have come to expect. It will underpin everything.

“They were also people who could afford to flee and support themselves in England, so they must have had a bit of income and therefore a bit of culture. Then they also witnessed the wholesale slaughter from First World War and because they are displaced have a great deal of vulnerability and compassion. I think that makes up a great deal of who Poirot is.”

Murder On the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie’s best loved stories

“It remains so current,” said Michael. “Even if you know the story I guarantee you will get lost in the piece and it will take you by surprise. You will have been taken on a hugely diverting journey. It’s really clever stuff enlarged upon by Ken Ludwig our writer here.

Michael Maloney as Hercule Poirot (Picture: Jay Brooks)

“What is interesting about is that this is a luxurious tale; we’re on the first class coach of the Orient Express in the 1930s from Istanbul to Calais in the most opulent of circumstances and we love to watch that - just look at programmes on TV about opulent lifestyles and grand hotels.”

And given that Murder on the Orient Express is a good old fashioned whodunnit adds to the appeal.

“We as a nation don’t seem to be able to get enough of murder and imprisonment for entertainment,” said Michael. “As an audience member you know that a conclusion will be reached and the status quo will be restored. That’s still a big thing for people.”

Michael is particularly pleased to be starting the national tour at The Lowry.

“I played Hamlet there and I loved my time in Salford,” he said. “But I always love coming to Manchester. I have been in shows at the Opera House and I was at the Royal Exchange in All My Sons a few years ago. You have got some great theatres on the doorstep.”

Murder On The Orient Express, is at The Lowry, Salford Quays, until Saturday, September 14. Details from www.thelowry.com