Expert Review: Why The Mousetrap Endures After 70+ Years

4.5
★★★★★

Expert Rating

The Verdict

The Mousetrap isn't just a play – it's a theatrical institution and a piece of living history. Agatha Christie's masterful whodunit has captivated audiences for over 70 years with its clever plotting, atmospheric tension, and that famous twist ending that audiences religiously keep secret. It's essential London theatre that every visitor should experience.

What Makes It Special

  • World Record Holder: The longest-running play in history, with over 29,000 performances and counting.
  • Christie's Genius: A perfectly constructed murder mystery with red herrings, suspicious characters, and a genuinely shocking reveal.
  • Intimate Setting: St Martin's Theatre's 550-seat capacity creates perfect atmosphere for this claustrophobic thriller.
  • The Sacred Secret: The tradition of keeping the ending secret adds to the mystique and community of theatergoers.

Perfect For

Mystery lovers, Agatha Christie fans, tourists seeking quintessential London theatre, and anyone who enjoys classic British storytelling. A perfect introduction to traditional West End drama.

Everything You Need to Know

A Classic Murder Mystery

Set in the 1950s at Monkswell Manor, a remote guesthouse cut off by heavy snowfall, The Mousetrap begins when a murder in London is connected to the guests staying at the manor. When a police sergeant arrives on skis to investigate, the guests find themselves trapped with a potential murderer among them.

What to Expect

  • A diverse cast of suspicious characters, each with secrets to hide
  • Mounting tension as the killer's identity remains hidden
  • Classic Christie red herrings and misdirection
  • A shocking revelation that has surprised audiences for decades
  • The famous audience pledge to keep the ending secret

A Theatrical Legend

  • 1952 Opening: Premiered on November 25, 1952, at The Ambassadors Theatre
  • 1974 Move: Transferred to St Martin's Theatre where it continues today
  • World Record: Officially recognized as the world's longest-running play
  • Famous Audiences: Attended by royalty, celebrities, and millions of ordinary theatregoers
  • Cultural Impact: Referenced in countless books, films, and TV shows
  • The Secret: Audience members traditionally promise not to reveal the ending

Historical Fact: Originally written as a 30-minute radio play for Queen Mary's 80th birthday, Agatha Christie never imagined it would become the longest-running play in world theatre history.

Practical Information

Show Times

  • Monday - Thursday: 7:30pm
  • Wednesday & Saturday: 2:30pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday: 3:00pm

Getting There

  • Tube: Leicester Square (3 mins), Covent Garden (5 mins)
  • Bus: Multiple routes to Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square
  • Parking: NCP Bedfordbury nearby

Accessibility

  • Limited wheelchair access - contact box office in advance
  • Hearing loops available
  • Guide dogs permitted
  • Large print programmes available