BRIGIT SAINT BRIGIT THEATRE CO.
The Mousetrap
Written by Agatha Christie
Directed by Cathy MW Kurz
September 27 - October 13
As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover–to their horror–that a killer may be in their midst. The only clue is a riddle, a note left by the murderer on his London victim: Three Blind Mice. This is the first. Who will be the next victim? Why?
As the investigation unfolds, the mysterious backgrounds of each character emerge as they manoeuvre to conceal their secrets and past lives. Which one is the murderer?
THE MOUSETRAP-- the genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time—will launch BSB's 32nd season. A thrilling production of Christie's masterpiece: the longest-running play in history--opening in 1952 in London's West End and playing continuously (with a COVID respite) to full houses at St. Martin's Theatre ever since. This past February marked performance number 29,500.
Monkswell Manor. “Around every corner of this old place, someone . . . is hiding . . . something. A story. A scandal. A secret. A question hangs in the air here like smoke. Everyone is a suspect. But only one of them knows the answer.”
THE SUSPECTS
Mollie Ralston: “A newlywed who has inherited Monkswell Manor and has recently opened it as a guesthouse with her husband. But why has she opened a guesthouse now… and what is she hiding?”
Giles Ralston: “The more cautious proprietor of Monkswell Manor, and Molly's husband of only a year. A man with no solid past, he appears to have little interest in running a guesthouse, and is quick to judge his guests.”
Christopher Wren: “A young architect with a flamboyant and often inappropriate sense of humour. His energetic conversation style can appear light-hearted, but also has an unnerving undertone. It is clear that he is hiding something.”
Mrs. Boyle: “A retiree whose acerbic tone makes her a challenging guest. Strong-willed and uncompromising, she has a chip on her shoulder and a secret on her mind...”
Major Metcalf: “A disciplined and affable gentleman who seems all too keen to help his hosts cope with the consequences of the snowstorm. But who is he really, and why is he there?”
Miss Casewell: “An aloof young woman on a business trip. Unwilling to discuss private matters and disinterested in the opinion of her fellow guests. She’s travelled a long way to be there, but why?”
Mr. Paravicini: “A roguish gentleman who hides his reasons for being there and acts as if visiting from another era. He delights in the guests’ uncertainty and appears to enjoy the game… but what part does he play?”
Detective Sgt. Trotter: “The London detective assigned to report on the Monkswell Manor situation as it unfolds. Determined and authoritative, with a keen mind. Will he solve the case before it’s too late?”
DIVE DEEPER
The Play's History
Written as an 80th birthday gift for Queen Mary in 1947, it was originally a short BBC radio drama, Three Blind Mice. When Christie decided to turn it into a full-length drama, she was obliged to change the name because an older play already had that title. She chose the The Mousetrap as the new title because it refers to Hamlet's description of the play he contrives to expose the guilt of his father's murderer.
The production began its West End run on November 25, 1952, in the West End's Ambassadors Theatre and played there until March 23, 1974, when it transferred to the much larger St. Martin's next door—reopening on March 25, so keeping its “initial run” status. With the exception of a covid closure, it's been running at St. Martin's ever since, playing to over 12 million people.
When it was published, the playwright gifted her grandson the rights, with the stipulation that no film could be made of the play until its initial run had been closed for six months. That's why there has been no movie: the initial run is still in production, now in its 72nd season.
The Cast
Directed by Cathy M. Kurz, the excellent ensemble tackling this cast of suspicious Christie characters features Melissa King, Eric Griffith, Josh Ryan, Christopher Scott, Michael Lyon, Jessica Johnson, Jeremy Earl, and Sue Mouttet.
Critical Acclaim
“The cleverest murder mystery of the British theatre. I think The Mousetrap could run forever.” (Daily Telegraph)
“Even more thrilling than the plot is the atmosphere of shuddering suspense. No one brews it better than Agatha Christie.” (Daily Express)
“The Mousetrap is to the West End what ravens are to the Tower of London. Its disappearance could impoverish us” (Financial Times).
“Much as it pains me, I really must congratulate you . . .” (A note from Noel Coward to Christie after The Mousetrap toppled Coward's Blithe Spirit as the longest running play—in 1957.)
*Quotes w permission from uk.the-mousetrap.co.uk.