We know the story focuses on a murder, but can you tell us any more?
It is a murder mystery set in a country house hotel. It’s just before Christmas and it’s snowing heavily outside so it’s almost impossible for anyone to leave, or arrive…the phone line has been cut and there’s a killer on the loose…
What brings The Mousetrap to Bangkok and have you had to adapt it in any way?
The Mousetrap has been hugely successful all over the world. As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations we have tried to bring the play to 60 different destinations. We are not adapting the play in any way. The production coming to Bangkok will be almost exactly the same as the one in London’s West End.
How do you explain the play’s longevity?
It is a very good story. Not only does it have the crime element, there is also a lot of humour. Agatha Christie is more popular now than she has ever been and she is published all over the world. I also think that after the first ten years of its run in the West End, it created a piece of history as being the longest running play ever, so now audiences come to see it for that reason as well. You would be surprised how many people in Britain still haven’t seen it!
The play has been running since 1952, is it still relevant to a changing society?
It’s a good story and a snapshot of Britain in the early 1950s. The production has to remain faithful to the 1950s as it would not work if it was in any way updated, mainly due to the fact that if anyone in the house had a mobile phone, there would be no story. The theme of the play is as relevant today as it was then.
What makes it such a classic?
Agatha Christie was a genius in her ability to tell a story, and draw the most wonderful characters, which is why she’s as popular now as she always has been, and this is one of her best.
With all the new media like TV and the internet, do you think theatre can compete?
Theatre is still very popular. However much people watch TV and the internet, there is nothing that can beat the experience of seeing live actors on a stage.
