London theatre - The Mousetrap

I have seen it a bunch of times (the last back in October) and love it. Its set in the 1930s(?) so it should feel dated:) The performances were top notch. If you love AG, and are going to be London and don't see a performance, you should have your passport revoked:)

The Mousetrap was written as a radio play for the Queen Mum in 1947...so the setting was in 1947

70 Years ago. It began as a play in 1952 - 65 years ago and is still running making it the longest running play ever.

But let's be clear as with all Agatha Christie stories it is the PLOT that really matters. A few years ago I heard of a high school who put it on but it was an Americanized version that was set in the Rockies.

The first time I saw it was in 1973 and have seen it three additional times since then. The most recent in 2011. Not much changed except the method of the murder. (no spoiler alert needed) As you know there will be a murder in a Agatha Christie play. In 1973 they used a gun.

And if the play's run and I both make it to 2022 I would go back to see it during its 70th anniversary year. So if you are "into" theater and Agatha Christie it is just one of the Must Do's when you visit London. Part of its charm is that it is set back in post war England. IMO
Many of her stories and plays were written back in the 20's and 30's. I read 8 of them on a recent long cruise and I found her description of English life and lifestyles very entertaining and enlightening. A look back on times past.

It is great entertainment!!!

Judy B:

I saw The Mousetrap on my most recent trip to London (Nov, 2016). I really enjoyed it - the turns of events were a surprise so I could not figure out the mystery until everything was revealed at the end. What did surprise me is that the house was about half full. I had to wonder how this play manages to be around year after year when the more contemporary West End offerings such as Lion King and Wicked draw the crowds and this theater attracts a much smaller audience.

Enjoy.

We saw it 2 years ago in London and were "underwhelmed". it was OK, but I would choose something else personally.

The seats are not discounted, and half a house is presumably enough to keep it profitable with its relatively cheap costs - the set for example lasts for a long time. It keeps going precisely because of its longevity. On its own merits it would have closed decades ago; not that there is anything particularly bad about it, but it is a bit of a London curiosity, like Angus Steakhouses.

In term of attendance you can't really compare a drama like Mousetrap to one of the big musicals. Musicals are more popular and always draw better. I've been to mid-week non-musicals on the West End with A-list actors with only a handful of people in attendance;

I would be more than upset if I was to see modern sets and costumes when we see this in the fall. I saw it on a solo trip 15 years ago. DH has expressed an interest, so I'll get the chance to see it again. I dislike it when producers try to modernize a classic period piece.

Mousetrap isn't anywhere near Christie's best work. But it's likely the only AC play you'll ever see, and I enjoyed it well enough. Really, I think it's longevity is mostly explained by, well, it's longevity. It's become self fulfilling. Pretty sure 99 % of attendees are tourists who are die hard Christie fans

I believe they have brought the time period forward a couple/three times at least. But I think it's wonderful and I love it.

I saw this on 12/31/15 and the theatre was sold out. The play itself is fine but to be a part of the history of the play and to see an AC production in London was really what I wanted out of the evening - to become one of the secret keepers, if you will. That I actually enjoyed the plot and acting was bonus.

Thank you all for your comments! I'm going to try to fit in The Mousetrap.

I suppose I need to purchase my tickets online in advance? Your thoughts?

Thanks again!
Judy B

I took my wife and 2 sons (12 and 17) to The Mousetrap over the Easter break. I wanted to give my family an experience at the Theatre. My wife and sons alll enjoyed the play. We had a discussion during intermission about what we just saw everyone in my family had a different thought. This was my second time seeing it, and had just an enjoyable time this time as my first time.
As far as being dated, I don't know. I thought it was set in the 30's, but it does not matter. 1930's 1940's, close enough for me. AG wrote in here time period, not in the future.
We saw it during a Friday night and I would guess it was over 90% occupied.

Cheesey and I love it.

I liked the online virtual tour that lets you really see the seats and what you're signing up for so I'm all for ordering online ahead of time. The box office was open in plenty of time and were very helpful and kind when I went to pick up my tickets. Print your receipt and make sure you have your credit card with you when you go. So glad you're going to see it - enjoy!!

Thanks, everyone for your enthusiasm. I will probably go online soon to purchase a ticket!

Judy,

We just saw it a few weeks ago and it was lovely. I am a huge AC fan, but even husband liked it. Everyone at the interval was discussing who the murderer could be.

But don't buy ahead of time! Head to the theater the morning you want tickets and buy same-day for 27 GBP per person for front-row seats.

thought same-day schemes were a savings but the seats were bad

Actually when you buy same-day discounted tickets, the seat locations can be anywhere. You might get first row, last or anywhere in between.

Michael,

I'm sure that's true in gneeral, but for the Mousetrap it is first or second row.

I'm sorry, I should clarify. For the Mousetrap, when you buy at the box office for same day, it is first or second row. I have no experience with the discount kiosk in Leicester Square and where those tickets may be located.

Thanks everyone! I just might wait till I am in London and buy same-day tickets. I have done that and available seats could be anywhere. My concern was the play being sold out.

These are day seats although I thought only the front row (A) was sold this way. They will only sell 2 at a time. Credit/debit cards only.