Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap did not disappoint as the classic 'who dunnit' tale rolled into Nottingham for its 70th anniversary tour. Right from the moment the lights dimmed the audience was entranced and taken back to the 1950s guest house where they followed the cast members as they tried to work out who among them was a murderer, and who was the next victim.
Despite the sinister start of the snowstorm and news of a horrific murder from the wireless, there were many comical moments at Monkswell Manor. Including how each guest and the owners were dressed like the murder suspect, arriving in a dark overcoat, light scarf and soft felt hat.
Joelle Dyson and Laurence Pears did a fantastic job as Mollie and Giles Ralston in setting the scene and did not bad an eyelid when a lamp fell over twice during the initial scene, seamlessly standing it back up. The entire cast did a fantastic job, but Elliot Clay as Christopher Wren was a hilarious asset to the play, with his childish actions, witty comments and merry songs lightening the mood throughout the night.
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Other highlights of the play included the arrival of Detective Sergeant Trotter on his skis and when Miss Casewell tricked Mrs Boyle into writing elsewhere through loud music. There were also sad points throughout the play, but I think we can all admit the death of the unpleasant Mrs Boyle was not one of those moments.
As the play went on there was plot twist after plot twist, as secrets were revealed and nobody was who they seemed to be, until the finale revealed that it’s always the one you least expect. In the words of Christopher Wren “Oh, I like murder” and that is certainly the case after the performance of the Mousetrap, which was chilling from start to end.
The thrilling story really came alive thanks to the versatile set and brilliant acting, and it’s no surprise that the murder mystery is the longest running play in the world. However, I don’t think I will ever be able to listen to the three blind mice nursery rhyme again without it sending shivers down my spine.
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