BWW Reviews: THE MOUSETRAP - And the killer is...You better get to Adelaide's Arts Theatre to find out!!

The Mousetrap, by Agatha Christie
The Therry Dramatic Society Inc
Directed by Norm Caddick
1 - 17 September, Arts Theatre - Adelaide

THE MOUSETRAP is one of the most famous plays in the world, known for its super-secret twist and also holding the honour of being the longest running play in the world, having had a continuous run of nearly 60 years on London's West End. The show even transferred West End Theatres in 1974 without missing a performance!

Arguably one of murder mystery queen Agatha Christie's finest pieces, it has managed to keep its mystery off stage as well with the audience asked to not reveal the plot at the curtain call at the end of each performance. So eager to keep the mystery under wraps, Christie insisted at the time of the West End opening that the short story version of THE MOUSETRAP not be released in the United Kingdom. Nor should a film version be made until 6 months after the shuttering of the West End production. To this day these demands have been honoured.

Only recently were the rights made available for amateur use, and the Therry Dramatic Society eagerly grabbed for them, opening the first production outside of the United Kingdom.

Adelaide's response to the news of this production caused Therry to have to extend the season and add extra matinees, such has the reputation of this show preceded it.

The show is classic Christie, a colourful cast of mismatched characters, all with a secret to hide, woven into an interesting and compelling story, which is beautifully paced and keeps you guessing the whole time.

The Therry Dramatic Society did a wonderful job at honouring this famous work, with a breath-taking set (I have never heard a crowd collectively ‘Oooooooh' as loudly as I did last night) and beautiful lighting. The snow through the window pane was inspiring. The sound was a bit tricky at times, mainly with the quiet and scratchy talking on the wireless radio, but that is a common problem with plays and plays at the Arts Theatre and it is always hard to hear anything anyway when the people behind you are having full conversations at a normal talking volume!

The direction was great, I found the blocking to be particularly wonderful to the eyes. It was quite interesting that more than once a particular character was addressing the cast with his back fully to the audience, it was a very interesting direction choice, one you don't see a lot of and I actually think it really worked.

The cast gave a solid performance. Alicia Zorkovic (Mollie Ralston) gave a particularly good performance considering it was obvious she was suffering from a cold. The cast were also exceptional at staying within the show, with several audience interruptions that could have easily distracted them.

I thoroughly enjoyed every single actor onstage, particularly crowd favourite Philip Lineton as Mr Paravicini, and Lee Cook (Detective Sergeant Trotter) is always a pleasure to watch. Oliver De Rohan was a standout, managing to perfectly balance his portrayal of the funny, annoying, possibly mad and sometimes sad Christopher Wren. Lindy LeCornu was positively infuriating as the nit-picking Mrs Boyle and Stephen Bills was wonderful as the ever-frustrated Giles Ralston. Nigel Stark and Alison Scharber should also be congratulated on their performances as Major Metcalf and the hardened Miss Casewell.

L to R: Alison Scharber, Lee Cook, Stephen Bills, Lindy LeCornu, Oliver De Rohan,
Norm Caddick, Alicia Zorkovic, Philip Lineton, Nigel Stark.

It was a wonderful night of theatre and I am so glad that after years of wishing to the see the Play I finally got the opportunity. I am also so glad that even after over 24,000 performances in the United Kingdom I was not spoiled with the ending as it truly was so much fun sitting there analysing every moment and trying to beat the characters to the truth.

The Mousetrap is playing at the Arts Theatre until September 17. If there are any tickets left, I suggest you call 8410 5515 or visit Bass or VenueTix ASAP!

Photo credit to AdelaideNow, with thanks.

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