The Mousetrap - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

With such an ingenious storyline, it is no wonder that this show has enjoyed a 70-year run in theatres, which would have been uninterrupted had it not been for a global pandemic. During this time, this show has become a ‘must-see’ tourist attraction, with the secret of whodunnit locked away safely in the hearts of over 10 million audience members. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly to a connoisseur of Agatha Christie’s timeless classics, this investigation is full of unexpected twists, forcing the audience to learn that they should not judge a book by its cover. Even more than that, it teaches the audience to not be fooled by people who claim to hold authority over them, for no one is blameless. In a way, this point is one which makes the show timeless in that it can be applied to the modern world. As social media takes over our lives, it is much easier to let ourselves be fooled by those who claim to be someone they are not.

The production of the show itself is quite remarkable, including decadent sets, clever lighting choices, and a wireless delivering sinister news to the manor’s inhabitants. Even the curtain itself is no ordinary curtain, as in the centre is a large spotlight shaping an eye on its velvet fabric, as if to symbolise the inquisitive eye through which the audience is about to witness the case. The drawing room set is complete with lavish furniture, a fireplace with beautiful wood finishings, and even surprisingly, a staircase which ultimately leads to the adjoining ground floor door. This particular feature reminded this reviewer of the popular detective board game Cluedo, in which one staircase would lead to another room on the opposite corner of the board. Perhaps hinting at the fact that ultimately, these characters are just pawns in a much larger game? 

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is a deliciously macabre take on the genre as it immerses the audience fully, turning them into detectives watching the characters’ every move, waiting in anticipation for one to slip up.

Production Value: 75%

Value for Money: 75%

Personal Enjoyment: 70%

Overall Score: 73% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)

(AD | Ticket gifted on behalf of Adventures in Theatreland in exchange for an honest review)

*Full review to be found by clicking this link.