Blackpool Grand – until Saturday 24 June 2023
Reviewed by Debra Skelton
5*****
‘The Mousetrap’ by Agatha Christie is the longest running show in the world and has graced Blackpool Grand Theatre with its presence on the 70th Anniversary Tour. It first premiered in London in November 1952 with an estimation of the show lasting only 8 months but has been running ever since.
I was fortunate to see this in the West End so was curious to see how it would fare on a smaller stage and what I can only say is magnificent. This is a production that must not be missed and will keep you on your toes with twists and turns right to the very end.
This murder mystery is about the Ralston’s a newlywed couple (Rachel Dawson and Michael Lyle) who have transformed Monkswell Manor into a guesthouse and is opening for the very first time. On a stormy and snowy night, their guests arrive which include Christopher Wren (Shaun McCourt) an architect who is quirky, flamboyant and at times has an inappropriate sense of humour, Mrs Boyle (Catherine Shipton) a retiree who is strong-willed and challenges the other guests, Major Metcalf (Todd Carty) who is disciplined and good-natured and helps his hosts when he can, Miss Casewell (Leigh Lothian) an unfriendly character who has no interest in the opinion of others.
An unexpected guest, Mr Paravicini (Steven Elliot) arrives unannounced due to his car overturning on the road along with Detective Sgt Trotter (Garyn Williams) who claims that there is a murderer amongst them connected to a recent murder in London.
Trapped in the Manor, we begin to unravel the guests characters and pasts with light-hearted moments, comedic timing, hilarious scathing moments and dramatics which makes us wonder who the actual murder is.
The whole cast of this production were amazing and portrayed their characters so believingly, they really provided such an entertaining performance.
This production was produced by Adam Spiegel and directed by Ian Talbot OBE and Denise Silvey.
The show also needs special thanks to Sonic Harrison’s lighting design which kept true to a murder mystery and Mike Thacker’s sound design with howling sounds of the snowstorm and creaks of the old manor.
For me it was lovely to see that the set design has not changed since 1952 with stained-glass windows built by Splinter Scenery, wooden floors, and a stone staircase.
As with tradition with this show, the killer politely asked at the end to keep it a secret so if the suspense is killing you, then please go down and try to solve this whodunit yourself