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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
9:00 PM 29th July 2015
arts

The Mousetrap - Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

 
No wonder the Mousetrap is celebrating its 60th year; it is a play that you have to see more than once. Like a game of Cluedo, you think you know who the murderer is but of course there is a twist in the tale and I had to see it again after getting it so wrong the first time round.

The scene is set when a group of people gather in a country house cut off by the snow only to discover that there is a murderer amongst them. One by one the suspicious characters reveal their past until at the end of the play the identity and motive are revealed - always to gasps from the audience.

What makes the play so successful are the characters. Failed architect Christopher Wren is played at present by Edward Elgood - his version of Wren owes a lot to the madcap mannerisms of Rik Mayall in this production.

Jonathan Sidgwick adds a touch of humour to the night in his portrayal of Italian Mr Paravicini. Grumpy old woman Mrs Boyle played by Anne Kavanagh makes you wish the character would not be in the play much longer.

Luke Jenkins is a star in his role of Sgt Trotter playing the part with authority and determination to discover the identity of the murderer whilst Mark Homer plays a very good head of the household as Giles Ralston, his wife Mollie played by Esther McAuley always seems to be on her way to the kitchen to prepare the meals for her guests.

The song 3 Blind Mice keeps being sung in the play and you will find yourself humming the tune long after you have left the theatre.

As the evening closes and the identity of the murderer is revealed we are informed "We are all partners in crime, please keep the secret of the murderer locked in your heart"

Go see it and see if you get it right, whether or not you do, it is still a captivating and thrilling show.

Runs until Saturday 1 August 2015.
Tickets from - www.bradford-theaatres.co.uk