The Mousetrap

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is one of the best-known murder mysteries and has been running continuously in London since 1952. This month Parramatta Riverside Theatres plays house with the Mouse. 

Set in Monkswood Manor, a remote country guest house, The Mousetrap is a whodunit that perfectly exemplifies the art of a well-crafted murder mystery. The plot twists, the suspenseful dialogue, and the breathtaking ending are why the play has remained a classic of the theatre for so many decades, leaving the audience guessing until the very end.

As a snowstorm intensifies outside Monkswood Manor, the guests become trapped, discovering a killer is amongst them. The scene is set, and a game of deception and suspicion begins with relationships becoming strained in desperation to try and find out who the culprit is. 

The characters in the play are all carefully crafted by Christie. Each guest is unique, and their conversations reveal hidden truths and secrets. 

Mollie and Giles Ralston are the owners of Monkswell Manor, the guesthouse where the murder takes place. Mollie (Anna O’Byrne), successfully conveys the character's innocent nature and vulnerability as the hostess trying to bury her own past. Giles (Alex Rathgebber) brings chemistry between the two and some great comical moments. 

Mrs Boyle (Geraldine Turner) plays the nagging, stubborn retired judge, conveying disdain, distrust, and a strong sense of superiority. Turner’s presence on the stage is commanding, and she expertly balances the character's coldness with the occasional moments of vulnerability that humanise her.

As Christopher Wren, Laurence Boxhall does wonderfully with a fascinating character. From the very start of the play, he captures Wren’s quirky, impish nature, drawing the audience in with his boundless energy and eccentric behaviour blended with a perfect mix of humour and pathos. His flamboyant and somewhat childish behaviour makes him an unlikely suspect but also creates questions about his level of involvement in the murder.

Miss Casewell (Katherine Pearson) is one of the guests at Monkswell Manor, a confident young woman with a mysterious past. Pearson brings intensity to the role, allowing the audience to feel intrigued and wary of her character. Her sharp wit and assertiveness make her an exciting watch.

Detective Sergeant Trotter (Tom Conroy), is the outsider who arrives to investigate the murder. His presence adds a sense of urgency and seriousness to the production. Conroy’s performance as the determined Sergeant concretes him as one of the standout performers as the audience works with him to try and solve the mystery. 

Mr Paravicini, (Gerry Connoly) adds humour to the otherwise tense environment of the manor. His sly remarks and unpredictable behaviour keep the audience wondering if he is a suspect or an ally in the search for the murderer. At the same time, Adam Murphy's performance as General Metcalf has a brief appearance. Murphy manages to create a lasting impression with his stage presence, making a character that might have been forgettable in less-skilled hands become memorable and impressive.

The set design perfectly represents the luxurious and cozy country manor. The intricate attention to detail, from snow falling on the windows to the ornate furniture to the grand fireplace, transports the audience back in time. The set, with its muted colour palette, creates a subdued and intimate space. Lighting and sound effects, like the wind and snow, build a haunting ambience that adds to the play's build-up of anticipation. 

The costumes are a perfect representation of the 1950s. The costume designer has done an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life with their authentic and stylish clothing choices, with the female characters wearing elegant dresses (and one lovely tailored pants suit) and the male characters dressed in sharp suits. Each costume is decorated with intricate details such as buttons and bows, all used to give the period look an added sense of authenticity.

The Mousetrap is a must-watch. The climactic ending is worth seeing, the set design works perfectly for the play, the characters are well-developed, and the performances are top-notch. It's a thrilling and engaging production, highly recommended for any fans of the murder-mystery genre. As for the murderer, sorry have to keep that one locked in my heart. 

Nicole Smith

Photographer: Brian Geach