1. LET’S STUDY A PLAY TOGETHER
The Mousetrap
LET’S STUDY A PLAY TOGETHER
THE MOUSETRAP
By Agatha Christie

2. The Mousetrap The Name of the Play:
Originally based on a short story, “Three Blind Mice”, then made into a radio play to honor Queen Mary’s 80th birthday, both written by Agatha Christie
Note that the plot is based on a true story of child abuse by foster parents
“The Mousetrap” is named after the play within a play in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” played “To capture the conscience of a king”

3. The Mousetrap History of the Production:
Longest running play on the London stage
Only ever presented in two adjacent theaters
Transfer took place immediately from one to the other
Over 24,000 performances so far
At the 50th anniversary gala, Queen Elizabeth attended
60th anniversary last year

4. The Mousetrap History of the Production (Cont.):
During this phenomenal run, no fewer than 411 actors and actresses have appeared in the play
124 miles of shirts have been ironed
Over 426 tons of ice cream sold.

5. The Mousetrap Souvenirs sold for the 60th anniversary gala:
Coasters £4
Mugs £5.00
T-Shirts £15.00
Pens £2.50
Key rings £3.00
Posters £3.00
Fridge Magnets £3.00
Mouse Mats £5.00
Postcard £1.00
Programme £3.50
Sweatshirts £20
Pin Badge £1

6. The Mousetrap History of the Production (Cont.):
In 2000, set was replaced for the first time during the run at St Martin's Theatre, still to the same design as the original
Set changeover completed over a weekend without the loss of a performance
Still running in London at the St. Martin Theatre
Now booking tickets through Dec. 2013

7. The Mousetrap History of the Production (Cont.):
All royalties were willed to Christie’s grandson Matthew
No other productions can be mounted on the professional London West End stage until the current one ends
No film may be made until the production closes
However, it is often performed by amateur companies
Playgoers are requested not to divulge the mystery’s ending

8. The Mousetrap Why is The Mousetrap so popular? Inexpensive to stage
One stage set
Limited number of actors
Not much publicity needed
Word of mouth
Quick action
Suspenseful

9. The Mousetrap Discussion: how does Christie add suspense? Action
Timing
Staging
Set
Characters

10. The Mousetrap Greenway, Christie’s Summer Home:
Agatha’s house Greenway in South Devon is now open to the public
It was willed to the National Trust by Rosalind Hicks, her daughter, and her husband Anthony in 2000, following their deaths
The contents were also left to the National Trust by her grandson
The second floor and parts of the first floor may be rented as vacation quarters
Greenway photos

11. The Mousetrap Video Clips: Full Production of The Mousetrap
Miss Marple and the Body in the Library
Clip of Hercule Poirot