The longest-running show in the world has landed in His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen this week. The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie premiered in November 1952 in London, with Christie estimating the show would only last 8 months. This current UK tour now marks its 70th anniversary.
This murder mystery follows the newlywed Ralstons hosting a collection of strangers into their new guesthouse on the outskirts of London. With news of a murder occuring in the city and the arrival of a police sergeant, the guest discover that a killer is in their midst. Trapped with each other’s company due to a snowstorm, one by one, the suspicious characters reveal their nefarious pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? ‘The Mousetrap’ is as traditional as theatre can get. A time capsule of British theatre that we rarely have the opportunity to see, and it was truly a treat for audiences on Monday night.
Rachel Dawson leads the way as Mollie Ralston. We see her as a stressed housekeeper, desperate to keep her guests happy and uncomplaining, and slowly as the plot begins to thicken, Dawson really comes into her own with the slow unravelling of Mrs Ralston’s tangled and torturous past.
Mr Ralston, the loving husband and co-owner of the guesthouse played by Michael Lyle, provides more light-hearted moments within the play. With the near-constant nagging from Mrs Boyle, Lyle uses his physicality well to display Ralston’s disdain of his peculiar guests.
Shaun McCourt shines in this production as Christopher Wren. With bags of flamboyance and any given chance to climb upon furniture, McCourt balances Wren’s quirky personality with small details of something darker hiding under the surface.
Mrs Boyle’s antagonising remarks and slicing criticisms are expertly performed by Catherine Shipton. Shipton’s sharp interactions with the other guests makes her character a truly unlikeable one, which allows for some hilarious scathing moments throughout the play.
Todd Carty’s Major Metcalf brings us into the production with that brilliant booming voice of an army general. At some points unintelligible due to the thickness of the accent and the pace of the lines, but Carty brings a solid comedic timing to the role.
In contrast to bolder and energetic characters onstage, Miss Casewell played by Leigh Lothian has a fantastic stillness with her character. The audience can’t help but focus on Lothian during large scenes, analysing her character’s body language for any clues of Casewell’s history.
Steven Elliot steals scenes as the suggestive Mr Paravicini. Elliot elevates an already excellent text with absurd hand gestures and sly side eye, and his dramatics and overemphasis steal giggles from the audience.
And finally our Detective Sergeant Trotter played by Garyn Williams. Unlike Christie’s other detectives, Trotter doesn’t possess the skill nor the accuracy of Hercule Poirot or Jane Marple. But Williams showcases the cheerful sergeant with great energy. Demonstrating great skill as an actor throughout the production, by captivating the audience with his stage presence in group scenes.
Directed by Ian Talbot and Denise Silvey, this production is beautifully styled with great blocking that prevents the space from feeling cramped by our big character personalities. The devil is in the details with contrasting stillness and movement throughout the production to help the audience find the killer.
Sonic Harrison’s lighting design provides nice details and spurs the plot along while remaining true to the original production. While Mike Thacker’s sound design brings the audience in from the howling soundscapes of the storm outside to the creaks and squeaks of the old guesthouse.
The set design hasn’t changed since 1952, originally by Roger Furse. The classic wooden flats and stained-glass window have been built to tour by Splinter Scenery.
Having now joined the 10 million people who have witnessed The Mousetrap, the classic murder mystery remains a staple within British theatre.
I would tell you whodunnit, but the killer politely asked not to tell anyone. Knowing that this tradition is more than 70 years old, if you want to catch the killer, you’ll have to solve it yourself.
As long as Agatha Christie’s works continue to captivate generation after generation, and people still gather in dark spaces to watch theatre, this reviewer expects The Mousetrap will endure to see many more milestones in its long and historic run.
The Mousetrap is running at His Majesty’s Theatre, from the 12th-17th of June 2023.
Get your tickets here –
https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/the-mousetrap/#book
Theatre Scotland 
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