The Mousetrap

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The Mousetrap is the longest running play in the history of theatre. Opening in November 1952, the late Dame Agatha Christie’s masterpiece is one of the best loved shows in London. Originally performed as a radio play and broadcast under the title ‘Three Blind Mice’. The forty-five minute radio play received such a reaction that Christie went back to the story and began elaborating it. The play opened at the Ambassadors Theatre after a seven week tour. By the time the play celebrated its twenty-fifth birthday in 1977 it was estimated over four million people had seen the production. Christie signed over the rights to the Mousetrap upon its opening in 1952- it is estimated that he became a multimillionaire through this property alone.

This two act drama is set in Monkswell Manor Guest House run by Mollie and Giles Ralston. Awaiting their first ever guests on a snowy day the couple nervously prepare. A news report over the radio says that a woman has been murdered in Paddington and that police are seeking a man in a dark overcoat with a white scarf and a felt hat. Giles enters the house wearing these exact clothes. The guests arrive one by one. An architect named Christopher Wren, a Mrs Boyle and a Major Metcalf arrive next. Finally Mrs Casewell arrives- also dressed in the police description. Trapped by the snow the guests begin to die one by one and the Paddington murder is revealed to be linked with a murder case from many years back. All of the guests seem to be suspects and it is up to the group to identify the murderer before it is too late.

The Mousetrap is a startlingly fresh and enjoyable work which is teasingly revealed and brilliantly written. Newcomers to the play will be enthralled and repeat patrons will remember what made it such an enjoyable piece first time around. A theatrical institution well worthy of its exceptional history.