As part of its 70th anniversary tour, Agatha Christie’s  The Mousetrap has arrived at the Lichfield Garrick.

This classic whodunnit, written by the best selling novelist of all time, has been running in London continually - Covid interruption aside - since 1952, making it the longest-running play in the world, with over 30,000 performances having been staged.

There are seven performances in Lichfield this week. If you have never seen The Mousetrap, the chances are that you won’t know who did it, as the identity of the murderer is theatreland’s best-kept secret. So get your tickets now and find out!

The play is set in Monkswell Manor, a remote countryside guest house. There is a single set, which makes clever use of various props, including rattling windows and a roaring fire. The passage of time is shown by the changes we see through the window. Multiple doors on set open up the rest of the house without you ever seeing it. Add to this the strong cast of eight, and you have all you need for an evening of dramatic revelations and dizzying plot twists. 

The story is straightforward. There has been a murder in London, 30 miles away. The first guests arrive at the recently opened manor and are soon snowed in along with their hosts.

Detective Sergeant Trotter arrives and reveals to the group that the killer is amongst them - as is the next victim. 

Each character reveals secrets from their past, and we are drawn into their lives in true Agatha Christie style. Dramatic revelations make it clear that nothing is quite as it seems, leaving us asking the biggest question of them all: “Who is the guilty one?”

The cast of characters are very much classic Agatha Christie. The Mousetrap is truly an ensemble piece, where everyone is a suspect and a potential victim. As the play gains momentum in the second half, Trotters’ questioning leads to mistrust and suspicion. There are comedy moments to enjoy along the way. 

Each member of the cast brings their own strengths to their character and to the play. It would be difficult to say who stands out, as they all work so well together, giving us a nostalgic view of post-war England.

The packed house at the Garrick was reminded, as the audience always is, to keep ‘The Mousetrap secret’. It is testament to the quality of the play and the respect we hold for Agatha Christie that this secret remains secure.

Five stars

Reviewed at Lichfield Garrick, Monday 27 March by Liz Day where the show runs until Saturday (1 April) then at the following venues: Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 3 - Sat 8 April; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 25 - Sat 29 June