A Guinness World Record holder for the world’s longest continuously running show, The Mousetrap continues to captivate, this time in the capable hands of New Farm Nash Theatre. While the Agatha Christie formula is well-worn, it is reliably fun and accessible, and an undeniable box-office draw; Opening night was a sell-out, and I’d wager the entire run will be no different.
This new rendition is tremendously paced and polished, with excellent interplay and characterisations by the dynamic ensemble cast, ensuring a great night at the theatre – even for those like me, who have already seen the play, so cannot join the fun of solving the mystery. For the uninitiated, The Mousetrap is a classic whodunnit with a twist; As is customary, we are sworn to secrecy not to tell once we know – so this review will be spoiler free. But it is safe to share the action revolves around some horrible happenings at Monkswell Manor, a guesthouse recently opened by Giles and Mollie Ralston. While awaiting the arrival of their first guests, Mollie hears radio reports about a local murder being investigated by police; Little does she know she is now in the course of danger, snowed in after a storm and a murderer about to infiltrate Monkswell Manor with their incoming guests – who won’t all make it out alive.
It is a miracle the play made it onstage at all, after an 11th hour cast member withdrawal and replacement. As Giles Ralston, Matthew Hobbs deserves great credit for filling the breach; Given his short preparation time, it is commendable Hobbs is even off-book, let alone presenting such a credible character. As his wife Mollie Ralston, Helen Barrett is a likable figure, maintaining one of the better executed accents, while showing a warm, conciliatory tone throughout the story’s chaos and mischief. Brendan James excels as the awkwardly enigmatic Christopher Wren, with signature unnerving chuckle, to boot. James captures the nuance required for this mystery well – first-time viewers are uncertain until the very end whether he is a menace or misunderstood.
John Stibbard is another standout, a perfect Mr Paravicini with a knack for enlivening even quieter moments of the script. A statuesque and dapper figure in his blue velvet suit, Stibbard receives many hearty laughs with merely an animated glance or gesture, disappearing into his character with eccentric flair and creative intuition. As Mrs Boyle, Chris Sibley is perfection, portraying a character we love to hate – a disagreeable pedant with an imperious heir and penchant for caustic comments. Sibley is like a pompous, post-war Karen, if you’ll take a slightly dated cultural reference, and her derisive dynamic makes for some humorous interaction with scene partners. Phillippa Dwyer captivates as Miss Casewell, with eye catching assurance, and deft duplicity, while Matt McNeice projects calm gravitas and grounding as Major Metcalf. Last but not least, Tyson Hargreaves is a commanding and determined Detective Inspector Trotter, moustache game on point; While his cockney accent is uneven at times, he is present and otherwise precise throughout his performance, commendably capturing Trotter’s motivations and complexity.
New Farm Nash Theatre produce the very best of Community Theatre, delivering a consistently high standard of shows with thoughtful variety, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with old friends and new. The Mousetrap is another wonderful example of this, with congratulations due to Director Sharon White and the entire team, for a very enjoyable rendition of this remarkable and marketable mystery.
To book tickets to The Mousetrap, please visit https://nashtheatre.com/.
