I was very excited to be invited along to The Orchard Theatre on Monday 15th September to see The Mousetrap. This was a play I had always wanted to see, and I do love an Agatha Christie murder mystery.
"It is cheesy, twee, funny, brilliantly acted, beautifully staged and everything you could want from an Agatha Christie story. "
Sitting in the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre, I was taken along the journey trying to figure out whodunnit, whilst relishing in the twee, but perfectly apt performances of the incredible actors. True to the genre, their clipped accents and dated costumes added to the wonderful Agatha Christie feeling that we all know and love. The set was incredible and used to great comic effect by the actors, with all the doors leading back to the same room. In fact, the humour of the piece was one of the most delightful parts and it was elegantly directed by Gareth Armstrong.
The cast were brilliant, Susan Penhaligon played the grumpy Mrs Boyle to great effect, and David Alcock's 'Paravicini' was delightful. Edith Kirkwood was on in her understudy role as Mollie and she was wonderful. In fact, the whole cast were very strong and held the audience's attention throughout. My personal favourite was Lewis Chandler in the role of Christopher Wren, often saying so much with just a look or a flick of the head, I found myself laughing along with him many, many times.
It is a hard play to review, purely down to the secrecy surrounding the show, and I wouldn't want to give the ending away. Having wanted to see this play for many years, I can safely say it does not disappoint. It is cheesy, twee, funny, brilliantly acted, beautifully staged and everything you could want from an Agatha Christie story. The audience laughed along merrily and gave a hugely appreciative applause at the end. There are some surprises, some "I saw that coming" moments, but above all, it is a thoroughly entertaining night out. I highly recommend seeing it, but remember, if you do.... keep the secret!
The Mousetrap is on at The Orchard Theatre until 21st September, Tickets can be booked following this link: https://orchardtheatre.co.uk/Online/
Comentarios