Theatre NorthWest has extended its production of The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie until Oct. 11.
In case you missed it, the Citizen's review of this theatre classic is below:
Delightful is the best description of experiencing Theatre NorthWest’s production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.
The play is the longest running play of any production in the world. It premiered in London's West End in 1952 and has run continuously until present day.
Theatre NorthWest has now brought it to Prince George, and the local production is all at once funny, entertaining and intriguing.
It’s a very famous play and it’s simply a real treat to see brought to life on stage.
The Mousetrap’s plot begins after a local woman is murdered, and the staff and guests at the boarding house, Monkswell Manor, find themselves snowed-in. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them. One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts.
It is a whodunit, with a twist ending, which the audience is traditionally asked not to reveal after leaving the theatre.
The play has been described as ‘keeping audiences on the edge of their seats’ and I have to say I had no idea who the murderer was until it was revealed.
However, the play is not just suspenseful, it’s also incredibly funny and incorporates the distinct wit and sarcasm of British humour, which the actors deliver very well.
It is a cast of eight and all of the characters have their own eccentricities that the actors bring to life expertly. Somehow even the most endearing characters still don’t evade suspicion.
Toronto-based actor Conor Ling gives an exceptional performance as his portrayal of the young odd-ball Christopher Wren lights up the stage.
Local actors David Leach, Shelby Meany, and Anna Russell also shine.
Leach makes his Theatre NorthWest debut playing the mysterious foreigner Mr. Paravicni in another exceptionally funny performance, while Meany takes on the role of the newly married Mollie Ralston, and Russell portrays the extremely unlikable Mrs. Boyle.
The actors keep the viewers on their toes and although the play is very humorous the suspense does culminate in a dramatic moment that did elicit a scream of shock from a young member of the audience.
Director Johnna Wright said that Christie weaves a mystery that is fun to try and take apart and one of the things she’s enjoyed as a director is figuring out how to convey that onstage.
It’s clear from seeing this production that every detail was considered at length. The set and props are just as important as the characters in unravelling the mystery.
The set design was amazing, from the furniture to the wallpaper, it felt like a genuine English boarding house in the countryside. The costumes were also fantastic especially if you are a lover of vintage fashion circa the 1950s, cardigans or Oxford shoes.
I enjoy seeing plays that are funny, intriguing and have an element of surprise and this play has all of that and more.
I think The Mousetrap is another example of the high-quality stage productions available to us in northern B.C. and those who have never experienced local theatre should think about giving this one a try.
It’s an enjoyable experience and Theatre NorthWest does a good job of showcasing why it’s one of the most popular plays to ever hit the stage.
Tickets for The Mousetrap are available on Theatre Northwest’s website and the play runs from Sept. 14 to Oct. 15.
