Rating: ★★★★
Venue: St Martin's Theatre, London
Cast: Sara Lessore, George Banks, Jonathan Tynan-Moss, Sarah Whitlock, Philip Childs, Phoebe Sparrow, Rob Pomfret and George Jones
Cast: Sara Lessore, George Banks, Jonathan Tynan-Moss, Sarah Whitlock, Philip Childs, Phoebe Sparrow, Rob Pomfret and George Jones
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! One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself?
I've been an avid theatre goer for as long as I can remember, and while I've known The Mousetrap has been a West End legend for 70 years now, I knew very little about the play and had yet to pay a visit. As soon as you enter the iconic St Martin's Theatre, you're instantly transported to the 1950's; the decade in which the play is set. It's intimate, with a plethora of dark wood, and deep red colors. The perfect setting for our murder mystery.
The curtain rises and we found ourselves in the midst of a snowstorm, at Monkswell Manor; a newly opened guest house run by the newlyweds, the Ralstons. It is here we're introduced to their new guests; Mrs Boyle, Major Metcalf, Ms Casewell, Mr Paravicini and Christopher Wren. Before they've had a chance to get settled, in comes Sergeant Trotter to inform them they're in grave danger. With a murderer linked to a classic nursery rhyme, there's no doubt you'll see how they run...
It's almost like an elaborate game of Cluedo, and all of our suspects have motives. And you'll find yourself doubting your instincts at every turn. The play is full of suspense, and tension - but it also has a great amount of comedy interwoven into it too, which is something I was pleasantly surprised by.
Jonathan Tynan-Moss as the flamboyant Christopher Wren was absolutely superb. With his over-the-top demeanour and child-like manner, you can't help but fall in love with his character. His performance, as well as Rob Pomfret's as Mr Paravicini, were the standout performances of the show. But every character has both flaws and strengths to leave you riddled with doubt throughout.
The audience are gently fed information throughout the piece; just enough to keep you longing for answers, but not enough to give away the killer. This is done expertly well, and it's no wonder the show has been a staple on the West End for over seven decades now.
It is very much a murder mystery, so if you're looking for a horror or thriller, this is probably not the show for you. But if you're looking for a show that's cat and mouse in nature, and you want to put your detective hat on, I would highly recommend it.
From everything to the setting, to the staging, to the atmosphere, it's a wonderful piece and I don't think this favourite will be leaving the West End any time soon. The killer is London's best kept secret, and I love that we're sworn to secrecy by the killer at the end of the show; it's a great touch.
You can book tickets to see The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre, here.
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