The world’s longest running play has arrived at Belfast’s Grand Opera House for a night of intrigue, mystery and murder!
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is famous the world over for its charm, wit and twist of an ending. But can you solve it for yourself?
As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst! Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim?
The cast of colourful characters is what captivates the audience’s attention from the off; there’s the sympathetic Mollie Ralston (played by Neerja Naik), her husband Giles (played by Barnaby Jago), the flamboyant architect Christopher Wren (played by Shaun McCourt), the austere Mrs Boyle (played by Gwyneth Strong), the aloof Miss Casewell (played by Amy Spinks), the mysterious Mr Paravicini (played by Steven Elliot), and the young detective Sergeant Trotter (played by Michael Ayiotis), not forgetting the gruff Major Metcalf (played by Todd Carty, yes, Mark Fowler from Eastenders).
Christie’s original script remains mostly unchanged, but the actors bring their own inflections and nuances to the characters which allows for some more modern themes to shine through. Hints at Miss Casewell and Christopher Wren’s homosexuality would have been taboo when the play first came about, but were greeted warmly and as a matter of fact by the modern audience. It is perhaps this depth of character and flexibility which has allowed The Mousetrap to be as enduring as it has been over the years.
Before going I couldn’t quite remember if I had seen The Mousetrap before, but as it turns out this was indeed my first time seeing the show. I couldn’t deduce who the murderer was, but was thrilled with the outcome when it came to “the big reveal”.
If I had to pick one word to sum up this performance of The Mousetrap, “charming” would just about cover it.
Running until 2nd March 2024, for more information or to buy tickets click here.
