WHAT a brilliant and enthralling whodunnit is currently showing at the Regent Theatre this week!
But what more did I expect with a play written by the crime thriller mastermind herself Agatha Christie.
The Mousetrap is definitely a crime drama stage show which will surely get anyone at the edge of their theatre seats, watching the storyline unfold, all the while pondering furiously about who the murderer is.
The story is told from one set alone - the Great Hall of Monkswell Manor - but the scenes are cleverly orchestrated to give the audience enough scope to understand the storyline of this great English classic.
Bruno Langley plays a sterling role of Giles Ralston who runs the guesthouse with his wife Mollie, who is skillfully played by Jemma Walker.
Elizabeth Power plays picky guest Mrs Boyle, while Karl Howman portrays the mysterious Mr Paravicini who turns up without prior booking a room.
And then there's Bob Saul who plays the somewhat bumbling Detective Sargeant Trotter, and Steven France hilariously portrays the rather eccentric Christopher Wren.
Finally there is Graham Seed who takes the role of Major Metcalf, while Clare Wilkie plays the foreign visitor of Miss Casewell.
The play gradually unfolds each of the characters secrets which in time, the audience realise that most of the characters are linked to each other in one way or another.
Right at the end of the show, the murderer is revealed. But of course, to keep to the tradition of The Mousetrap, I am not going to divulge who that is in this review.
Although The Mousetrap is a serious murder mystery drama which is enthralling there is much comedy along the way, making the show an absolute pleasure to watch.
No wonder The Mousetrap has been the longest running stage show. If you haven't yet seen it then get yourself to the Regent Theatre in Hanley where it is running every evening until Saturday (February 23).
For further information and to book tickets go online to http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre
BELINDA HARGREAVES
