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Trapped but still kicking
00:00 Tue 19th Dec 2000 | Arts & Literature
By Nicola Shepherd
THE WORLD has still, it would appear, not had enough of the Agatha Christie play The Mousetrap.
The production just celebrated its 20,000th performance.
It has been seen by 10 million people in London alone, translated into 24 languages and performed in 44 countries. It was the world's longest-running play in the mid-1970s and after that the superlatives ran out.
It was commissioned by the BBC as a 30-minute play to mark Queen Mary's 80th birthday. The BBC asked her what she wanted, Shakespeare Opera She plumped for Christie. The broadcast play was fleshed out, the title changed from Three Blind Mice to The Mousetrap, and it went on tour in the Midlands in 1952.
It was only when Richard Attenborough opened as Detective Sergeant Trotter in 1953 that the success of the play was assured. But no-one imagined how long that success would continue. In fact, when Richard, now Lord Richard, left two years later it was announced that the play would close.
That was the beginning of the phenomenon. As soon as would-be theatre goers heard the play may disappear they flocked to see it. 'I think if we announced its closure now we would be sold out for two decades,' says director, number 20, David Turner, incumbent since 1987.
Closure of The Mousetrap has been on the agenda of some theatre critics for some time. One has been actively campaigning for the play's demise since the seventies. Its critics claim that it is a crusty, old, outdated English play, of a tired genre, with outmoded language. They argue it is occupying a gem of a theatre that could be used for new young talent desperate for a West End run.
These are complaints that have been made for what seems like a lifetime.In the meantime, The Mousetrap has become an institution.
It might not do much for theatre per se, but it gives opportunities to hitherto unknown actors, given that The Mousetrap has long since eschewed the stars of the day.
It fuelled the careers of Ray Cooney, who hasn't left the West End since, Stephanie Cole, Sylvia Sim and Jessica Spencer. Along with Sir Richard, the latter two are the only surviving members of the original cast.
Nowadays, the cast is changed every ten months and often attracts actors to their first West End role.
You may have your own views, but no members of the public - David Turner insists it's not just Japanese tourists - who have seen the play and gone on record have anything, but praise for it. He has his own theories about its success. 'It's the sort of play you can take anyone to.'
Agatha Christie gave the rights to the play to her grandson as a seventh birthday present. Some present, although at the time he might have been happier with a train set.
It is believed to have grossed 30 million to date. Pity the poor sod who bought the movie rights; the sale came with the stipulation that film-making could not begin until 6 months after the West End run finished.
Churlish or not, would you rather see The Mousetrap close Have you seen it If not what would make you go and see the play Click hereto share your thoughts.
