Now Murder on the Orient Express gets trigger warning over themes of death and guilt
There could scarcely be a clearer example of the clue being in the name.
But that hasn't stopped audiences at a stage production of Murder on the Orient Express being presented with a trigger warning that the show features depictions of... murder.
The latest example of what many top actors have warned is a fad which is ruining theatre was yesterday ridiculed by one expert on the Queen of Crime.
Starring Michael Maloney as Hercule Poirot, the production has been delighting audiences and critics as it tours the UK, and begins a run at the Theatre Royal in Bath this week.
But on its website, theatre-goers are offered the opportunity to read about the 'specific content and themes' of the play before taking their seats.
The 'trigger warning' states: 'Murder on the Orient Express contains: 'Themes of death, grief and guilt.
'Reference to, and depictions of, murder and manslaughter.
There could scarcely be a clearer example of the clue being in the name. But that hasn't stopped audiences at a stage production of Murder on the Orient Express (pictured) being presented with a trigger warning that the show features depictions of... murder
The production (pictured) has been delighting audiences and critics as it tours the UK, and begins a run at the Theatre Royal in Bath this week
But on its website, theatre-goers are offered the opportunity to read about the 'specific content and themes' of the play before taking their seats. Pictured: File photo
'Reference to, and depictions of weapons.'
The warning has drawn ridicule from Matt Newbury, creative director of the Agatha Christie Festival.
'I'm never one to give away the solution when it comes to Agatha Christie mysteries, but - plot spoiler - the clue is definitely in the title,' Mr Newbury told the Daily Mail.
'Oh, and it's definitely going to take place on the Orient Express.
'That said, don't let the murder put you off, it's an excellent play!'
The festival is held every year in Christie's Torquay birthplace.
Regarded as the world's biggest-selling crime novel, Murder on the Orient Express sees the Belgian sleuth attempt to solve the mystery of a bloodstained corpse.
Poirot's task is to work out which passenger is responsible for the killing before the train reaches its destination.
Regarded as the world's biggest-selling crime novel, Murder on the Orient Express sees the Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot (pictured, played by Michael Maloney in this production) attempt to solve the mystery of a bloodstained corpse
Among stage stars to have warned that the practice has gone too far is Oscar winner Dame Judi Dench (pictured), who said 'if you're that sensitive, don't go to the theatre, because you could be very shocked'
Meanwhile Conclave and Harry Potter star Ralph Fiennes (pictured) has said trigger warnings put out before plays meant modern audiences had gone 'soft'
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, the production was hailed as 'first class' by the Daily Mail's Libby Purves.
The trigger warning comes after Chichester Festival Theatre was mocked after adverts for a production of the Three Little Pigs warned the fairy tale 'has a passing reference to Father Pig being gobbled by the Big Bad Wolf'.
Meanwhile English National Opera issued trigger warnings for Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Pirates Of Penzance at the London Coliseum for 'alcohol misuse and mild violence'.
Among stage stars to have warned that the practice has gone too far is Oscar winner Dame Judi Dench, who said 'if you're that sensitive, don't go to the theatre, because you could be very shocked'.
'Isn't the whole business of going to the theatre about seeing something that you can be excited, surprised, or stimulated by?' she told the Radio Times last year.
Meanwhile Conclave and Harry Potter star Ralph Fiennes has said trigger warnings put out before plays meant modern audiences had gone 'soft'.
'The impact of theatre should be that you're shocked, and should be that you're disturbed, I don't think you should be prepared for these things', he told the BBC.
