The Mousetrap at The Bristol Hippodrome
Posted on: 2023-07-25
Our rating:
“This 70th anniversary production promises all the magic and mystery Agatha Christie usually delivers.”
It was the opening night of The Mousetrap, and the atmosphere was abuzz with excitement and curiosity. This is the longest-running play in history, and the 70th-anniversary tour of the production promised all the magic and mystery Agatha Christie usually delivers.
The curtain raised on a beautifully crafted set; handsome wall-to-wall wooden panelling, a William Morris furniture suite, warm lighting and a wireless conjured an instant feeling of period cosiness, only added to by the blizzard visible through the set’s central window.
For the next three hours, we escaped the humidity of Bristol in July for a slice of escapism, with a mid-winter murder story set somewhere between London and the surrounding countryside.
Bringing the story of The Mousetrap to life was a fantastic ensemble cast, made up of the owners of Monkswell Manor — Mr and Mrs Ralston — a handful of guests, and the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Trotter.
For me, the Ralstons (Rachel Dawson and Michael Lyle) were a real highlight, convincingly gooey for a couple only a year into marriage and then quick to turn on each other when there’s a killer to be found. Similarly, Catherine Shipton’s Mrs Boyle was perfectly stern and tweedy, while Leigh Lothian as Miss Casewell was deliciously chic and monosyllabic.
But perhaps the most memorable performance for me was Shaun McCourt’s as Christopher Wren. He channelled a cheery flamboyance with obvious glee, brought a much-needed lightness to the stage and was immediately relatable when his character arc slid into self-doubt.
There were plenty of reliable Agatha Christie tropes to enjoy, from the classic country house aesthetic to several surprise reveals and the blustering old military man (who sounded distinctly like Fowler from Chicken Run). It was an absolute treat to watch this production unfold – we were in safe hands from start to finish, and there were no noticeable slip-ups, as you’d expect when a show’s been running so long it could celebrate a platinum jubilee.
As for whodunnit… you’ll have to book tickets and see for yourself!
The Mousetrap is on at Bristol Hippodrome from Monday 24th-Saturday 29th July, with tickets starting from just £13. Buy tickets HERE.
Article by:
Alys is a full-time copywriter, avid reader and podcast enthusiast currently based in Henleaze. As a recent transplant from the North, she’s keen to explore everything the South West has to offer, but is especially interested in exploring the food, art and culture scene in Bristol.
