Review: The Mousetrap at Lyceum Theatre Sheffield

“…If you enjoy a whodunit then this is for you…”

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

By Phil Scown

You know what to expect with an Agatha Christie. There’s going to be a lovely house, a murder, and an ensemble of characters who are all potential victims, or murderers. And there will be a detective. This production of The Mousetrap, award-winning and long-running, doesn’t disappoint.

The interior of Monkswell Manor Guest House is a classic setting. It has oak panelling, stone mullioned windows, and doors and staircases that give the feel of a period manor house. Good work from the set designer for recreating the original set from the first production, 75 years ago.

An old fashioned radio is broadcasting news of a woman killed, her murderer on the loose in a terrible snowstorm. We can see the snow falling through the mullioned windows. The scene is set. Mollie (Emily Laing) comes in from the snow, shakes the flakes off and begins to get ready for her first guests. She is quickly joined by husband Giles (Ben Gresswell).

One by one the cast assembles. Christopher Wren (Thomas Barrett) an eccentric young man, gets the first and best room. Mrs Boyle (Susan Penhaligon) joins as the entitled older woman with high standards. Major Metcalf (Nicholas Bailey) provides military bearing. Miss Casewell (Clare Duffy) is an independent young woman. Mr Paravicini (James Peake) plays the foreigner driven in by a motor accident in the snow. Detective Sergeant Trotter (Alfie Richards) completes the set of required roles. This ensemble works well together. There is drama, melodrama, and moments of humour that are not overplayed. The role of Christopher Wren is perhaps over-directed, the eccentricity jarred in early moments, but we get used to him. More generally, the lines were delivered a little fast in places, and may have been better for being slowed down. Everything could be heard, but there were moments of breathless speed.

Stand-out cast for me are Emily Laing (as Mollie Ralston). She was convincing in her portrayal of a range of emotions. I was reminded of Ruth Wilson in one of her more benign roles. Special mention too for Ben Gresswell, in his role as Mollie’s husband, Giles. This production is Ben’s professional debut. He is an understudy, so you may not see him on a given night. Excellent work from Emily and Ben, watch out for them.

In The Mousetrap there are no deep philosophical issues unravelled, no social commentary to debate, just good, old-fashioned fun. There’s no ‘doubtful language’, and no innuendo, so suitable for all generations. Teenagers and their great-grandparents can watch together and enjoy the play. The Lyceum’s full-house was evidence of this. As the story unfolds we believe that anyone could be the murderer. I could tell you who it is, but what would be the fun in that? Besides, one of the cast would kill me, but which one?  If you enjoy a whodunit then this is for you.

The Mousetrap play at Lyceum Theatre Sheffield until Saturday, 7 November. Tickets are available here.

Phil Scown has been a regular theatre-goer since his student days many years ago. Mysteries, thrillers, ghost stories, comedies and musicals are all part of his theatre diet. Phil writes short stories in a variety of genres, some of which have become screenplays. He likes to tour England, Scotland and France, nowadays by car rather than motorcycle. At other times Phil likes to cook and to drive his Caterham, though generally not at the same time.