The Mousetrap

The world famous Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap is still wowing audiences at the St Martin’s Theatre after 34 years at this historic venue. With a current run that has totalled 56 years, it is the longest running stage show in the world, having premiered at the Ambassadors Theatre on 25th November 1952. The same year saw Queen Elizabeth II take to the throne and wave in a new era in British history.

To keep proceedings fresh and unique, the cast is consistently changed around each year so that a visit to this stage show will be kept special upon each arrival. Audiences are also encouraged to keep the ending a secret as any great Agatha Christie murder mystery need to keep its surprises until the very end.

Since March 1974 St Martin’s Theatre has been housing this compelling production and looks set to keep hold of it for some time to come. It means that it will still be available to future generations who want to know the answers to a world class mystery play.

But what is the Mousetrap about? We can’t give too much away, but the set up can be explained. The story takes place in a newly renovated manor, which is now operating as a hotel. When the proprietors Mollie and Giles Ralston open they do not anticipate the large number of guests greeting them, but they are happy to receive the characters that will take us through this thriller. The faces of these guests will become very familiar as time goes on and they take the form of Mrs Boyle, Christopher Wren, Miss Casewell, Major Metcalf and Mr Paravicini. However, things take a sinister turn when Giles receives a phone call from the local police, casting a suspicious glow on his new arrivals. There has been a murder nearby and the hotel is now full of suspects.

To keep the ending a secret, Agatha Christie herself requested that the story never be adapted to print, so that those visiting the play will be the only ones to learn of the killer. The story does exist in print now, but the measures have largely worked, with audiences still kept guessing until the very end.

So get along to St Martin’s Theatre on West Street for this great thriller from the creator of Miss Marple and Poirot. With a theatre ticket to this show, you are in for a wonderful experience.