In Agathie Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ a group of travellers who are gathered at a remote country guesthouse discover there is a murderer in their midst. One by one the suspicious characters reveal their murky pasts until at the last nerve shattering moment the identity and the motive of the cold blooded killer is revealed.
‘The Mousetrap’ is currently playing its 60th year on London’s West End. The rights have only just been released to community theatres. Adrian Barnes is currently directing a joint Bump In and Willoughby City Council production at Chatswood’s Zenith theatre.
This ‘Mousetrap’ was an entertaining two hours at the theatre. The cast performed the work with energy and commitment. Guesthouse owner Shannon Ashlyn gave a very assured performance as Mollie Ralston with Brett O’Neill’s being a little too mannered in his performance as her husband Giles Ralston. Robert J Edwards was a little nervy on opening night and could have come across with a little more authority in his role as Detective Sergeant Trotter. Keiran Foster was immensely entertaining as the foppish, Amadeus like Christopher Wren.
Louise Fisher, the current Artistic Director of the New Theatre, gave a great performance as the neurotic, petulant, bossy Mrs Boyle. Two regular fringe theatre performers, Kim Knuckey and Peter Talmacs, gave entertaining performances as Major Metcalf and the garrulous, schmoozy Italian, Mr Paravicini. Sonia DeDorneneghi played the boisterous Miss Casewell.
The cast were backed by a strong production team. Director Adrian Barnes was assisted by Corrine Marie. Simon Greer’s wonderful period set was a highlight. Anna Gardiner’s costumes suited the period well. Michelle Rendell’s lighting work had some great moments.
‘The Mousetrap’ opened on Thursday 31st March at the Zenith theatre corner Railway streets and MacIntosh streets, Chatswood and runs until Saturday 9th April, 2011. The season has already sold out and an extra performance has been set down for Wednesday April 6, 2011.
