The 75th anniversary of a timeless murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end
This week, Manchester’s Opera House welcomes The Mousetrap, Agatha Christie’s world-famous murder mystery that has kept audiences guessing for more than 70 years. I have never seen a ‘whodunnit?’ nor have I seen or heard anything about ‘Mousetrap’. I didn’t know what to expect but there is something very special about a play that relies on nothing more than its writing, its cast and the audience’s imagination to create a genuinely gripping evening of theatre.
I don’t get the pleasure of reviewing many plays, and that’s the world that I have lived my life, so to see something of this calibre was just wonderful.
The set is fantastic. The interior of Monkswell Manor feels like the perfect setting for a classic Christie thriller, with its cosy yet slightly unsettling atmosphere. There is a real sense of isolation, and the contrast between the welcoming guesthouse and the growing unease inside it works beautifully.
The direction deserves huge credit, too. Keeping an audience engaged with a dialogue-driven murder mystery is no easy task, but the pacing allows suspicion to build naturally. Every pause, glance and seemingly innocent comment feels as though it could mean something. The humour is also wonderfully placed, giving the audience moments to breathe before drawing us straight back into the mystery.
And now, the cast. With eight characters, all with their own personalities, histories and reasons to raise an eyebrow, there is plenty to get stuck into.
Emily Laing as Mollie Ralston is at the heart of the production. As the young owner of Monkswell Manor, she has the responsibility of keeping things together while the situation around her becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Laing brings a warmth and natural charm to the role and very much nailed the period and had us all from the very first moment.
Jack Hardwick as Giles Ralston is equally important to the dynamic. There is a fascinating tension between the couple, and Hardwick does a great job of bringing that to life. His performance has a naturalness to it that makes their relationship believable, and I enjoyed the way his character adds another layer of uncertainty to the story. For a lot of it I will say I thought he was the one ‘Whodunnit’ – but I won’t say anymore for those who have not seen the story.
Alfie Richards as Detective Sergeant Trotter is a real highlight. Carries the authority you would expect from a detective, while maintaining a likeability that makes you want to follow his investigation. He keeps the energy moving and gives the audience plenty to think about.
Thomas Barrett as Christopher Wren is an intriguing addition to the household. There is an eccentricity to his character that makes him immediately stand out, and Barrett embraces that brilliantly. He provides some wonderfully awkward moments, and I instantly thought ‘what a great role that is’ – very much a favourite for me.
Susan Penhaligon as Mrs Boyle is another standout. She is wonderfully sharp, with a wonderfully blunt manner that makes her interactions with the other characters particularly entertaining. Penhaligon understands exactly how to deliver those cutting remarks, and very much felt like se was plucked from 70 years ago!
Clare Duffy as Miss Casewell brings a more guarded presence to proceedings. There is a mystery surrounding her from the moment she arrives, and Duffy plays that beautifully, giving very little away while keeping the character engaging.
Nicholas Bailey as Major Metcalf provides a steady, authoritative presence, bringing a sense of composure to a room full of increasingly suspicious people. Maybe not as big a role as the others but very much an enjoyable one that holds a great deal of importance.
James Peake as Mr Paravicini, meanwhile, adds a wonderful touch of theatrical eccentricity. His mannerisms and mysterious arrival make him an entertaining character to watch, and very much a lesson for anyone who would want lessons in comedic timing and performance.
Ultimately, Mousetrap is a reminder that a brilliant story never goes out of fashion. Personally, I loved the opportunity to sit back, take in the clues and try to piece everything together. Whether you correctly guess the culprit or find yourself completely wrong-footed, there is so much to enjoy in the performances, the atmosphere and the sheer cleverness of the writing.
If you love a good whodunnit, this is one to put on your list.
Manchester’s Opera House is hosting this legendary production until Saturday 31 October, Just remember keep your eyes open, question everybody, and whatever you do, don't spoil the ending for anyone else!
