Anne McElvoy on Theatre

“Trad” theatre can still feel fresh

AGATHA CHRISTIE HAD MODEST aspirations for The Mousetrap when her murder mystery opened in 1952. Her producer predicted a 14-month run but the great literary stiletto-wielder replied, “It won’t run that long. Eight months perhaps.” By 1957, it had become the longest-running play in the West End. Christie received a telegram from Noël Coward saying: “Much as it pains me I really must congratulate you …” Seven decades on, it has become the hardiest perennial on the boards having just passed its seventieth anniversary (factoring in the two-year gap during the pandemic). It has been seen by some ten million people, all earnestly implored not to give away the twisty ending. It is also the classic template for West End theatre dusting down “trad” works for older audiences and striking…

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The Critic (Digital) - 1 Issue, May 2024

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