Mousetrap breaking free to mark 60 years

Producers announced the whodunnit – the world’s longest-running stage production – will tour for up to 60 weeks and will begin next September.

For its 60th birthday next year, the show – which is staged at St Martin’s Theatre in London – will host a gala performance.

The line-up will be announced closer to the anniversary on November 25 2012.

The Mousetrap has featured 403 actors during its colossal run.

Lord Attenborough was in the original cast and returned for the 50th anniversary performance in front of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The tour was announced as the show today entered its 60th year, with last night’s 24,587th performance.

It will begin at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre on September 11 with 10 further venues already confirmed.

Producers of the show have promised “all-star casting” which is still to be announced, with the main performers expected to undertake 12 weeks in their roles. The London show will continue during the tour.

In addition there will be 60 licensed productions – the highest number ever staged at once – around the world, taking it to locations such as China, Australia, Russia, Italy, Venezuela and the US.

Educational charity Mousetrap Theatre Projects will also run a writing project in London primary schools encouraging pupils to write stories or plays, with the winners being read by professional actors at St Martin’s – the show’s home since 1973.

The charity will be among the beneficiaries of a 60p charity fee which is being introduced for the anniversary year to help projects working with young people.