Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury this week as part of a record-breaking 60th anniversary tour.
The Mousetrap has been the world’s longest running stage production at its London home. The 60th Anniversary – and first ever – UK tour of this beloved murder mystery has been seen by nearly 1 million people, having broken box office records in many of its tour venues.
The scene is set at Monkswell Manor (a fantastic wood panelled set with large fireplace and stained glass window) the home of Giles and Mollie Ralston (Nick Barclay and Anna Andresen), who have only been married a year and have decided to set up a guest house.
Heavy snow is falling outside as their first ever guests arrive: Christopher Wren, (Oliver Gully), the rude battleaxe Mrs Boyle (Louise Jameson) Major (Tony Boncza) and Miss Casewell (Amy Downham) and the unexpected foreigner Mr Paravicini (Gregory Cox).
As the action commences, there’s already been a shocking murder just 30 miles away in London (which we hear about via the radio) and by apparent coincidence, nearly everyone turns up at the guest house clad in outer clothing matching the description of the murderer.
So just what is their connection to the dead woman in London and to a long-ago case based just up the road from Monkswell?
Following a phone call, Sergeant Trotter (Lewis Collier) arrives on skis to get to the bottom of things and when there’s a new murder in the house, everyone comes under suspicion…
So whodunnit? You’ll have to go along to Theatre Severn this week to find out for yourself as the audience was asked to keep this secret locked in its heart.
Like all of Agatha Christie’s plays, this is an ensemble piece and the whole cast shine with perfect performances. Each character is distinctly different from the next, which helps to flesh out the world of Christie’s play.
For plenty of old-fashioned suspense matched with an agile and superb cast, The Mousetrap is a snare you’ll want to get caught in.
The Mousetrap is at Theatre Severn until Saturday 14 May 2016. For details and to book visit https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/
Reviewed by Chris Pritchard
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