Mousetrap

(★★★★☆)“classic deception”

The Mousetrap is a classic caper that everyone should experience. The show contains a clever twist that left me genuinely surprised, so much so that after the big reveal I still wasn't sure I believed it and found myself expecting another deception. Agatha Christie deserves immense praise for setting the trap so neatly and luring the audience in so effectively.

Emily Laing was poised and sharp as Mollie Ralston, while Thomas Barrett brought a whimsical charm to the forward Christopher Wren. Alphie Richards drove the action forward as the enigmatic yet trustworthy Detective Sergeant Trotter, determined to crack the case. I also appreciated Mike Thacker's subtle underscore, which unsettled us at just the right moments. Hannah Chissick's direction was particularly striking in the pacey and beguiling second half, guiding the production neatly towards its conclusion.

As this production tours to mark the play's 75th anniversary, one has to wonder how many shows can claim such an accolade. Perhaps what has helped The Mousetrap stand the test of time is the shared responsibility audiences have in keeping the secret of whodunnit. You settle in expecting a mystery to be solved according to the familiar rules of the murder mystery genre, only to discover that the cards have been switched in your own hands.

Hungry to know more? Go and see it. My trap is firmly shut.

Ben Castle

The article will appear in the magazine this week and will feature in David’s radio show