Alan Magor talks ahead of Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre appearance

The Mousetrap is a classic, a landmark, a legend. It is famous around the world for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre, with over 25,000 performances. The 60th anniversary production is back by popular demand following a record breaking run.

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed.

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

Magor – like the audience – thinks it's brilliant.

"We started rehearsals in January and we've been on the road with it now for a long time.

"But it is still so, so exciting. I knew of the Mousetrap before I received the script: in theatrical terms, it's such a special play. I saw it at St Martin's, in London, and when I was offered the part I took it without hesitation."

Magor adores Agatha Christie's writing. "It is so intelligent. The characters are nicely defined but in The Mousetrap, each has their own secrets which they are hiding. Different actors bring different aspects to it. So it doesn't matter if you've seen it before or not; every time it goes out there with a different cast it's like a totally different play. The West End version, for instance, is completely different to the one we are doing on tour. They are equally good but the cast and actors bring so much to it."

When Magor got his list of tour dates, he was delighted to find the New Alexandra Theatre featured prominently. He moved to the city from Middlesbrough at the age of 16 and has made it his home. He has previously featured with Birmingham REP, having graduated from the Birmingham School of Acting in 2010.

"We moved when I was 16, which would have been about 2002. And I've been here ever since. I went to college in Halesowen and worked here and there before going to the Birmingham School of Acting from '07 to '10.

"We are nicely settled in the area and my daughter, Jess, is in school locally. Everyone else went to London after graduating but I didn't want to leave. It's my adopted home. We really like the community and the people who are here. Both my wife and I work in the arts in Birmingham, Black Country and Wolverhampton and the Birmingham audiences have a special place in my heart."

Magor has been enthused by the increased quality of theatre, dance and music in Birmingham during his years in the city. The Second City has flourished, providing entertainment and self-expression for all.

"We live in such a multi cultural and diverse city and it's a special place. We really embrace the arts around here and it's very cosmopolitan. Audiences respond very well, whether it's new writing or something classical like The Mousetrap.

"It's a very special place. I think barring London and Glasgow you'd be hard pushed to find any city with so many theatres in a small space. There's The REP, Hippodrome, New Alex, Drum, Blue Orange, Crescent, Old Rep and more again with theatres nearby in Wolverhampton and around.

"The Hippodrome has number one tours from the West End, the Alex has top class plays from great producers and the REP brings brand new work. You've got every rung of the theatre ladder, from the strong Birmingham fringe to the big shows.

"The city has kept its tradition while modernising what it offers. It's a great place and I'm looking forward to coming home."

Leigh Sanders