Agatha Christie’s play continues to run at St Martin’s Theatre.
It’s the world’s longest running play:
The fact that Agatha Christie’s play is still running in the West End after all this time speaks a lot about how it keeps audiences enthralled with the build up and the way in which the story unfolds. Attending makes you feel as though you are becoming part of theatrical history which makes it irresistible, even if it does feel a little dated in places that in some ways adds to its charm.
Agatha Christie’s writing:
There is a reason why she is the most famous crime author of all time. The way in which Agatha Christie has created the characters and ensured that all their backstories have a strong part in what unfolds is truly incredible – even more so when she had to keep track of why the characters act the way that they do. Plus of course the twists that she throws in along the way really manages to keep everyone on their toes!
The secrecy is key to its success:
There is no other show that has required the audience to keep quiet about what happens in the same way The Mousetrap has – miraculously it seems to have worked, with the audience at the performance that I was at audibly gasping in surprise!
It is a shared experience:
While many shows don’t require that you attend with someone, The Mouse Trap is unique in this way because by going with someone you can share your theories with during the interval as well as discussing how the show unfolds at the end (while out of earshot from those yet to see the show of course!).
The characters:
While relating to the above in terms of the writing, the characters have to be believable and flawed, with Christie creating some fascinating motives for each character in great detail. Once again showcasing her attention to detail, she allows the audience to second guess who the real culprit is, keeping the audience guessing right until the very end. Each character is distinctive and has their own mysteriousness to them that enhances the drama as it unfolds.
It is a production that actively encourages you to figure things out:
The Mousetrap is the ultimate slow-burner, encouraging the audience to figure out things on their own terms as little hints are dropped about the characters – I certainly know that I changed my own theories as the show unfolded! Christie really enjoys teasing the audience and giving them the freedom to explore the characters and the story at their own leisure in a subtle way – hence why the ending works so well!
To book tickets for the show click here.