Review: The Mousetrap Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
When the queen of crime, Agatha Christie, saw The Mousetrap open in London's West End back in 1952, I wonder if she knew that it had the potential to run continuously for the next 60 years?
It certainly isn't the very best example of her work – there are other murder mysteries which are equally as gripping, and yet there is still something very special about the way it has held audiences in the palm of its hand for over six decades. In true Chris-tie style, a group of quirky characters are assembled at a small country guest house.
After hearing of a murder, they become increasingly uneasy in the company of one another as their suspicions are aroused. Well that's it in a nutshell, but the appeal and longevity of The Mousetrap has always been the surprising twist at the end which audiences are asked not to reveal.
It isn't taxing on the brain, but rather a nice sort of sit back and enjoy production, with a storyline that glides along.
At some point in their career every actor must be tempted to take their place in theatre royalty and appear in The Mousetrap, but in the diamond anniversary tour, it is the turn of the soap stars.
Corrie star, Bruno Langley is the quintessential English gent with ex-Eastender, Jemma Walker as his wife Mollie. Steven France as Christopher Wren brings just the right amount of humour to the piece and there is a wonderfully droll performance from Karl Howman as Mr Paravicini.
The reveal is by no means easy to predict and will probably leave theatre-goers saying 'well I never saw that coming' but it is just a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining play, in this case performed by an outstanding cast.
Runs until Saturday.
Alison Norton
