#SheReviews The Mousetrap

In its 70th year, The Mousetrap, is the longest running play in the world. This beloved classic, written by Agatha Christie, is the ultimate whodunnit which has kept audiences from around the globe on the edge of their seats. Every time we are in London I’ve tried to buy tickets to the show, but alas it is always sold out months in advance.You can imagine my delight when She Society were invited to Opening Night of this West End classic right here in Brisbane. 

It was a perfect Spring evening as we gathered at The Playhouse, QPAC for this special performance. Directed by much loved Australian theatre icon Robin Nevin, who I’d last seen in My Fair Lady, we all knew we were in for a treat. In the Opening Night crowd I spied media personalities, politicians, actors, influencers and theatre greats. Everyone was energised with anticipation. 

We had lovely intimate seats close to the stage and as the curtain rose we were transported to England…to the isolated Monkswell Manor, now turned guesthouse, with a blizzard  raging outside. Freezing guests arrived one by one, as we began to meet a cast of quirky yet lovable characters who were all trapped by the storm inside this newly opened hotel. Running the guest house were young newly married couple, Mollie and Giles. 

All the action is set within a single drawing room space, but sight gags are so funny with the opening of doors and descending of passages and staircases forming part of the fun. Mollie (Anna O’ Byrne) and Giles (Alex Rathgerber) are new to their roles as hosts and it shows , but what they lack in experience is made up for in a willingness to try and a genuine commonsense which grounds the play.

We gradually meet the cast of very eccentric British characters. Nevin has pulled together an exceptional cast to fill these roles. First is the outrageous and foppish architect , Christopher Wren ( Laurence Boxhall). His comic timing is impeccable and he generates many of the laughs. There is the austere and disapproving spinster and former magistrate, Mrs Boyle (Geraldine Turner). So great to see Australian acting royalty on stage.There is the obliging but a little dim witted retired major, Major Metcalf ( Adam Murphy) and the feminist but guarded character of Miss Casewell ( Charlotte Friels).

Unexpected guests begin to arrive. First is the outrageous Christiesque foreigner, Mr Paravacini , played by legend of the stage Gerry Connolly. He seems to be having a ball with this strange character, who arrives explaining that his car had overturned in a snowdrift. Last to arrive is the skiing policeman, Detective Sergeant Trotter (Tom Conroy). His job is to interrogate guests about a recent murder of a woman in London.The description of the suspect is vague, to say the least , and provides room for several sight gags along the way. 

As the seven strangers become increasingly suspicious of each other, accusations and  suspicions run riot. When a second murder takes place all the fear, hostility and emotion come bubbling to the surface and the play races to a brilliant and surprising end, keeping all who are watching second guessing.  

Since 1952 this rollicking mystery has entertained audiences the world over and it is easy to see why. For this 2022 Australian production Robin Nevin has assembled a stellar cast who superbly perform this genre defining play.The Mousetrap is playing in Brisbane until November 20 before heading on to Melbourne.

So whodunnit? I am honour bound to keep the secret as audiences before me have done for 70 years. To find out head along to QPAC and tick The Mousetrap off your own bucket list. You’ll have an old fashioned good time and you won’t be disappointed. Test your own detective skills. Can you solve this world – famous mystery for yourself?

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