It is understandable why ‘The Mousetrap’ has been running for 70 years. A solid well-developed production that has be a stable in the west-end and is now coupled with the well-attended National UK tour. It is clear why the production continues to attract so many, as it gives it audience an escape.
Agatha christie’s whodunit unfolds slowly in front of our eyes, slowly pulling us in and telling the answers to all our questions without making its audience feel like it is not capable of figuring it out for ourselves. Trapping all the characters in the newly opened Monkswell manor guest house, raises the stakes and the clever intertwined backstory to both the characters and the murders keeps everyone on their feet. It is difficult not to want to tell everyone who committed the crime as soon as you leave, but after been sworn to secrecy what can you do?
This production is packed with some exceptional talented performances, especially Elliot Clay. Clay’s portrayal of Christopher Wren is breath taking from the first moment, his delivery is faultless to last. He is a pure joy to watch. Some of this credit must be taken by the directors, who have clearly enabled the ensemble to develop their characters as each performance is strong and filled with clever detail. The directors have also used the comic elements of Christie’s script exceptionally drawing laughs out from the audience at every given moment.
The production however has a small number of moments that do not match the excepted quality of the production that has ran for so long. Occasionally slow pacing and dragging scenes make the production drag and feel repetitive. At moments the on the nose style of the comedy misses the mark and feel forced.
Overall, It is a production which offers highs and lows, with exceptional lighting design and clever staging coupled with the scenes that appear to have been overlooked. A show that is worthy of its 70 years. For how much longer can it remain successful, that is the real mystery?
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