In a time of non-stop, pop-tastic musicals, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap is a charming and delightful breath of fresh air. Celebrating 70 years, the longest running play in the world has finally made it to Australian shores, and the timing could not be more perfect.
The Mousetrap is a nostalgic whodunit, filled with delicious stereotypes, giggles and gasps. If you're a fan of Knives Out and The Glass Onion, you will absolutely devour this.
homSet in the newly-inherited Monkswell Manor, the Ralston's are preparing to welcome their first influx of guests on the brink of a terrible snow storm. In walk a colourful calamity of guests, all of whom are sporting similar attire to a murderer, who according to the radio, is currently roaming the streets. Cue the mystery!
Director Robyn Nevin has a assembled a pristine cast for this tour. Anna O'Byrne and Alex Rathgeber, swap their musical theatre hats for some straight theatre jackets with absolute ease. As Mollie and Giles Ralston, their chemistry is undeniable. Geraldine Turner (also a musical theatre legend) is (in the best of ways) simply intolerable as Mrs Boyle. Adam Murphy as Major Metcalf is superbly stoic, Gerry Connolly is hysterical as the wildcard Paravicini, Tom Conroy is perfectly understated as Detecive Sergeant Trotter and Charlotte Friels, sporting the most fantastic costume of the play (props to Isabel Hudson), is simply captivating as Miss Casewell.
Amongst all this, is the beacon of character that is Laurence Boxhall as Christopher Wren. A far cry from the snobby annoying teenager he plays in Ronny Chieng: International Student, Boxhall absolutely steals the show with his incredible acting palate and impeccable timing.
Set design by Isabel Hudson is highly effective and utilised beautifully by the full company. Visually and audibly this play washes over like good glass of aged whiskey. It provides a comforting and familiar feeling with an ending that packs a punch.
There is a reason this play has been running for 70 years, and thanks to John Frost, now you don't need to buy a plane ticket to go and see it. Enjoy this piece of British national treasure on your doorstep whilst it lasts. Because once it's gone, you may not see it here again.
Photos: Brian Geach
The Mousetrap's Melbourne run continues until the end of March at the Comedy Theatre, before the production continues its Australian tour to Perth, Canberra, Brisbane and Parramatta. Tickets and further information can be found here.