New Theatre, Cardiff
Tues 27 Sept – Sat 1 Oct
The Mousetrap has been running for over 60 years with 25,000 performances. Originally written by Dame Agatha Christie, the landmark detective story is set in a country house cut off from the outside world by the thick snow. The group of people discover that there has been a murder, and with only the characters around them to blame, the palpable tensions force the characters to reveal their pasts until, eventually, the identity and the motive of the horrific murderer is revealed.
Being the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre, it was brought back by popular demand because of its record breaking ticket sales in 2012 and 2014. Not only did they break records, but some cast members are in the Guinness Book of Records. David Rave holds the award for ‘Most Durable Actor’ for 4575 performances as Major Metcalf in the play and the late Nancy Seabrooke had the record breaking achievement of being an understudy for 15 years. During this phenomenal 63 year run there have been no fewer than 442 actors and actresses appearing in the play, 256 understudies, 142 miles of shirts have been ironed and over 500 tonnes of ice cream sold.
Tickets: £10 – £29 Info: www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk / 029 2087 8889
words MONICA MARTIN