Review: The Mousetrap @ New Theatre
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
New Theatre, Cardiff
Monday 8th October 2012
The longest-running show of the modern era, West End veteran The Mousetrap celebrates its diamond anniversary with a full UK tour. Agatha Christie’s classic filled the aisles at one of Cardiff’s oldest venues and it was a joy to see a packed New Theatre buzzing with anticipation.
The play itself is model murder mystery; a grand country manor, recently converted into a guesthouse by a nave young couple, is “cut off from civilisation” thanks to a snowstorm and becomes caught up in a murder for which all guests are suspects. Playing out in real time, I can’t say I was gripped by the storyline but it was carried through by humour and some memorable characterisation from a very fine cast.
It took a while to adjust to the very stilted accents of the well-to-do characters, but they soon felt at home in the authentic set especially when played off against the quite ludicrous European twang of unexpected guest Mr Paravicini. Bruno Langley (think Corrie) impressed as guesthouse owner Giles Ralston while star of Downton Abbey and Anna Karenina, Thomas Howes, played Detective Sergeant Trotter with great authority. Supposed architect Christopher Wren was given a marvellously camp spin by Steven France (The Bill, Eastenders), and Jan Waters’ droll interpretation of stuck up retiree Mrs Boyle. These two stand out performances could be a near farcical combination and the interaction between Christopher and Jan really brought the piece alive.
As the who-dunnit built to a climax, whispers could be heard as audience members shared their predictions, adding an exciting live element to the spectacle. Then when the killer was uncovered, it seemed to finish rather flatly and the final scenes, which often make or break a murder mystery, felt somewhat undernourished. It didn't help that I’d worked it all out just after the interval, so the ‘unexpected twist’ was lost on me.
I left with mixed views. I couldn't help but feel slightly underwhelmed as the curtain fell - when a production has over 24,500 performances under its belt, and has run continuously for sixty years, I expected something outstanding. It was certainly good, but I wouldn't apply superlatives here. Nonetheless, I've ticked a must-see off my list and happily applauded the play’s incredibly impressive feat of years. There’s clearly still plenty of demand for The Mousetrap, and if it keeps filling theatres, long may it continue.
The Mousetrap is playing at the New Theatre till Saturday 13th October 2012
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IMAGE: New Theatre
