Theatre review: The Mousetrap

When it opened in London in November 1952 Agatha Christie predicted The Mousetrap would only run for eight months, yet it became the world’s longest running stage production at its London home.

On its provincial tour prior to opening in the West End the play came to the Grand when two of its stars were Sir Richard Attenborough and his wife Sheila Sim and 62 years later The Mousetrap is back. Now a period piece played on a beautiful vintage set its plot is predictable. When five people – Christie’s stock-in-trade archetypes – arrive at a remote guest house in a snow storm, it’s only a matter of time before the lights go out, the telephone is cut off and someone commits a dastardly deed.

The Mousetrap is not a cleverly constructed play and it does become a bit wordy in Act 2 but it keeps you guessing – mostly because of its pace and attack. If you want to see a well directed vintage whodunit with a superb cast The Mousetrap fits the bill.

• To August 30.