Murder mystery parties, escape rooms, true crime documentaries: these are at the height of fashion more than ever….I’ve dressed up in 1920’s garb more than once to gather with a group of friends and listen to tantalising and misleading clues over who the murderer could be.
There’s a human fascination with crime that we just can’t explain. Whilst I wouldn’t say I share the interest in macabre murder documentaries like some, one of my favourite shows growing up was Agatha Christie’s ‘Poirot’ (the David Suchet version of course). I loved the simple, repetitive format, with everyone seemingly given a plausible motive until the detective has a light bulb moment that the rest of us laymen would miss, as all characters are brought into the room together whilst the detective’s thinking is slowly explained. For some reason the murderer sits there confidently, acting shocked when once again Poirot has cracked it. It’s all very familiar, very thrilling and of course highly unlikely.
‘The Mousetrap’ is the world’s longest-running play, being performed continuously for over 70 years since its release in 1952. It is set in the post-war era, where we see a newly married couple on the first night of launching their new Monkswell Manor Guest House, having transformed this stately, ancient house after inheriting it. At the start of the play the new guests arrive and we are introduced to their extremely contrasting and quirky characters, each one a complete stereotype – from the moaning older lady and the childishly flamboyant man to the optimistic ex-military officer.
We hear on the wireless radio that a murderer is on the loose and soon a detective arrives to warn the Manor House that they believe someone staying there is the murderer’s next target. Conveniently, there is snow blizzard outside that is so bad no one can leave and it’s soon realised that the murderer is more than likely already there. Cue a long list of clues, pointing of fingers and dramatic revelations.
The staging of the show is impressively grand, with the entire play being set in the lounge of the guest house. The historic age of the house was strikingly shown, with the grand fire place and high ceilings, whilst the early 1950’s decor firmly created a time and place. The snow falling outside the window established a sense of mystery and apprehension that old, creepy houses in the middle of nowhere in a storm can readily achieve.
What I instantly liked about this production was the comedy. In some modern Agatha Christie remakes, especially the Kenneth Branagh ‘Poirot’ films, the exaggerated acting and corny comedy is lost, which is something that was always at the core of her work. Mr Paravicini, who makes a surprise appearance when his Rolls Royce, conveniently gets stuck outside the manor house, is a particularly great character for producing comedy, the exaggeration shown by Steven Elliott making the stage light up whenever he entered. Garyn Williams who played the role of the over enthusiastic young detective sergeant, also provided great entertainment with his James Corden-style charming and slightly ditzy characterisation.
There are a couple of well-known actors seen within the production. Todd Carty who played Mark Fowler in ‘Eastenders’, performs admirably as the eccentric, likeable major and Catherine Shipton (Duffy in ‘Casualty’) is unrecognisable as the highly dislikeable character of Mrs Boyle, skilfully performed in a highly comedic way.
Overall, the play is highly enjoyable to watch. The characters are all creative and contrasting enough to draw you in, the story compelling enough that at the interval you will simply want to discuss who you think did it with anyone who will listen (neither I nor my brother-in-law were right!). The final scene did drag a little bit as I felt the whole cast were brought in to sit round together one time too many whilst the detective quizzes them all about their recent activities and life histories. However, the ending of the play, featuring its famous, unpredictable twist, certainly regains your attention and the surviving guest house residents seem to return to good spirits remarkably quickly. Apparently, they too must enjoy a good old murder mystery.
This is definitely a unique production and at the end, the audience is asked by the cast to keep the twist entirely to themselves so that the element of surprise is kept for future audiences. For a show running 70 years it’s done a remarkable good job of it. It’s like no production I’ve seen before, so if you love a good ‘whodunnit’ murder mystery, then I can’t recommend it enough. Hopefully, you’ll be able to guess better than I did as to who the real murderer is!
The Mousetrap is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 29 August to Saturday 2 September.
Book tickets here or call the Box Office on0113 243 0808.
All photography by Matt Crockett.
