The Lowry, Salford – until 19th May 2019.
Reviewed by Sarah Cockerill
4****
Theatregoers of The Lowry, Salford, reversed back in time to 1950s London and were introduced to the ominous Monkswell Manor Guest House, where murder is the chilling topic everyone is talking about.
The plot begins with newlyweds and now co-business owners Mollie Ralston (Harriett Hare) and Giles Ralston (Nick Biadon) who, in the midst of a snow storm, have opened the doors of their manor to guests – Mrs Boyle (Gwyneth Strong), Mr Paravacini (David Alcock), Christopher Wren (Lewis Chandler), Major Metcalf (John Griffiths), and Miss Caswell (Saskia Vaigncourt-Strallen).
A heinous crime has been reported in the capital and as each character is interrogated by Sargent Trotter (Geoff Arnold), it quickly becomes apparent that everyone is a suspect, and anyone could be the next victim.
Gwyneth Strong’s portrayal of the uptight Mrs Boyle was excellent and was a far cry from her character in the much-loved Only Fools and Horses. The highlight though, had to be the outstanding performance from Lewis Chandler as the peculiar Christopher Wren, who had the audience in stitches all night.
Press pause on the TV criminal dramas and documentaries, and head out to The Lowry, Salford this week to see this deliciously macabre classic piece of theatre that’s become the longest running performance of any kind around the world. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap will be at The Lowry until this Saturday 19th May before continuing its UK-wide tour.
This Agatha Christie whodunit isn’t the kind of show you would go and see again and again, but I would urge everyone to see it once and become part of theatre’s best kept secret….