St Martin's Theatre
Booking until: 01 March 2025
Review (AD-PR Gifted}
Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery, The Mousetrap, continues to captivate audiences at London’s historic St Martin’s Theatre, now celebrating a 72-year run. This production masterfully blends nostalgia, intrigue and suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats and ensuring a memorable experience.
The strong chemistry among this cast makes it feel like a true ensemble piece, with each of them shining in their role and bringing the characters to life. Lucy Doyle, in the role of Mollie Ralston, beautifully portrays the caring yet anxious hostess with a blend of grace and vulnerability. Her performance captures the essence of a character who is both central to the plot and deeply human in her concerns and reactions. Daniel Cech-Lucas as Giles Ralston compliments Doyle perfectly, infusing his character with wit and charm. His portrayal of the protective husband is both relatable and endearing, adding depth to their on-stage relationship.
Lynton Appleton’s portrayal of the eccentric Christopher Wren is a highlight, bringing an electric energy to each of his scenes. His dynamic performance keeps the audience on their toes, adding layers of intrigue and unpredictability to the story. Jules Melvin, as the sharp-tongued Mrs. Boyle, and Elyssia Roe as Miss Casewell provide a delightful mix of suspicion and biting wit, making them both a memorable and formidable presence on stage. The performances of Ben Onwukwe, who plays Major Metcalfe, and Lorenzo Martelli, as Mr Paravicini, masterfully complement each other; opposite reactions to their situation both adding humour to the story. One of the standout performances comes from Sam Stafford who plays Detective Sergeant Trotter. He adds layers of vulnerability, anger and frustration to his portrayal.
The setting is a charming yet isolated guesthouse, nestled amidst snow-covered hills. The air crackles with anticipation as guests arrive, each harbouring secrets and hidden motives. Directed by Philip Franks, the production expertly balances suspense with character development. Franks' meticulous attention to detail ensures that each clue is cleverly placed, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. His direction allows the plot to unfold naturally, immersing the audience in the mystery.
As the plot thickens, an electrifying twist grips the audience, leaving them eager to uncover the truth. However, just as the tension reaches its peak, the interval arrives, momentarily pausing the adrenaline rush. This clever timing enhances the suspense and exemplifies the captivating nature of the mystery. Overhearing groups' conversations on their thoughts of who did it during the interval only added to the experience and the possibilities of endings running through the mind.
Alongside the mystery aspect of the play, there are many topics covered: a warning regarding the reliability and trustworthiness of authoritative figures and depiction of a developed class system. These topics have always been part of the play but are becoming clearer to modern audiences who see these themes in their everyday life.
The Mousetrap is a must-see for mystery lovers. With outstanding performances, expert direction, and a plot that keeps you on your toes, it offers an engaging journey into the world of whodunits. It remains a pivotal piece of theatre in the West End and the murder mystery genre.
Creatives
Writer: Agatha Christie
Director: Philip Franks
Costume Supervisor: Janet Hudson Holt
Producer: Adam Spiegel