Murder on the Orient Express ROLE-PLAY – sketch 04 – www.onyourmarks.org Characters : Poirot – Mrs Hubbard Situation : Mrs Hubbard’s interrogation (syllables in bold letters are stressed syllables) POIROT Mrs Hubbard, we have very little time. So I’ll try to ask you brief questions. Just like your answers, if you can. Whenever you can give me a “Yes” or a “No”, that will be better! Mrs HUBBARD So, come to the point ! POIROT Your complete name is Harriet Melinda Hubbard, isn’t it? Mrs HUBBARD Yes, Harriet because of an old aunt who… POIROT By now, I suppose Mr MacQueen told you Mr Ratchett’s real identity? Mrs HUBBARD Yeah ! That vile man ! POIROT Did you know the Armstrongs? Mrs HUBBARD No, of course no. They were society people… POIROT I overheard your conversation with Pierre about a man in your compartment around 1am the night of the murder. I’d like to know : was the door between your compartment and Ratchett’s locked? Mrs HUBBARD I think so.

POIROT What do you mean? You could see it from the bed. Mrs HUBBARD No, I couldn’t. POIROT Why not? Mrs HUBBARD Because it was hidden by my handbag. Pierre checked it after I called him… POIROT Yes, we all know that. Mrs HUBBARD You know nothing, sir. POIROT I beg your pardon? Mrs HUBBARD Don’t you know what I found this morning? (HANDBAG) POIROT That’s a button from a conductor’s uniform. We’ll check with Pierre. ... I give you your handkerchief back. Mrs HUBBARD That’s not mine. Mine’s in my bag. POIROT Oh, I thought… with the letter H… Mrs HUBBARD For Hubbard…but it’s not mine! POIROT Mrs Hubbard, I thank you for your precious help. And thanks for playing your role so brilliantly. Mrs HUBBARD I’m ready to help you again.