Adam Spiegel presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, a historic 70th-anniversary production of the longest running murder mystery play. Growing up as a devoted fan of murder mysteries, this reviewer was excited to be caught up in the thrilling experience of an intricate murder mystery plot penned by the great Agatha Christie. Set in rural England, we meet the Ralston’s a newly married couple opening their estate home as a boarding house for an array of guests to stay in. Unfortunately, the opening weekend for Monkswell Manor happens to occur on the sudden news of a murder that had taken place in London, alongside a snowstorm that has seemed to cause for the group of eclectic guests to be snowed in for the weekend. Underscored by the chilling nursery rhyme of Three Blind Mice, Christie’s carefully webbed plot begins to reveal deception, secrets, and trauma for the guests of Monkswell Manor. The unexpected arrival of Detective Sergeant Trotter puts this collective of strangers in an accusatory game trying to uncover a murderer. Directed by Ian Talbot & Denise Silvey and performed at the Edinburgh Playhouse from the 25th-29th of April 2023.
Mollie Ralston, the lady of Monkswell Manor performed by Joelle Dyson wins over the audience with sympathy for Mrs Ralston as she juggles in her role as host for the demanding and peculiar guests that arrive. Dyson’s tentative performance laced with intricate details begins to reveal the psychological impacts of the character’s traumatic past. Laurence Pears as Giles Ralston delivers a wonderful energy throughout his performance highlighting the more farcical elements of Christie’s plot, with well-timed comedic moments as well as providing engaging dramatic marital conflict between Mr Ralston and Dyson’s Mrs Ralston.
Elliot Clay in the role of Christopher Wren was a complete delight to witness, Clay’s quick-witted and playfulness enabled audiences to be engrossed within Clay’s performance. Wondering what hilariously inappropriate comment would come out next, enticing the audience to speculate Wren’s actions and what troubles Christopher may have gotten themselves into.
Gwyneth Strong’s performance as Mrs Boyle was a masterclass in bitterness. Quick to judge with harsh criticism, Strong excellently delivers blow after blow towards the other guests and hosts, proving to be quite an unlikable character. Strong injects elements of humour and relatability in her performance that humanises Mrs Boyle.
Todd Carty and Essie Barrow gave engaging performances in their roles as Major Metcalf and Miss Casewell. Carty’s Major Metcalf presents a strong, distinguished military persona that enabled great comedic delivery. Barrow’s Casewell delivers a complicated character struggling with their identity and Barrow’s performance highlights the light and shade of Miss Casewell’s flawed character. Kieran Brown’s hilariously provocative Mr Paravincini produced an entertaining performance that was captivating and made many a comedic moment.
A wonderful showcase for Joseph Reed in the role of Detective Sergeant Trotter. Reed’s ability to maintain and carefully guide the audience through the unreliable alibis and testimonies, demonstrates Reed’s great skill as an actor. As Trotter is forced to be one step ahead, in the endeavour to uncover a murderer.
Lighting Design by Sonic Harrison is simple but incredibly effective in foreshadowing and highlighting details and events within the production. Janet Hudson-Holt’s beautiful costuming uses complementary colour choices that accentuate the different character’s personalities and is playful in showing various styles of postwar Britain.
Ian Talbot & Denise Silvey’s direction is filled with tiny detailing in staging, physicality and vocal delivery that sets up the quintessential murder mystery to take place inside the central location of the Guest House. Wonderful farcical moments met with a distinct tension that built throughout the production, culminating in a thrilling climax that honours Christie’s timeless and murderous plot.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable evening that enabled audiences to reminisce in the beautiful complex web of an Agatha Christie play. Would highly recommend to those who wish to celebrate the longevity of one of the greatest murder mystery plays.
Click below to get tickets now:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-mousetrap/edinburgh-playhouse/
Theatre Scotland 
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