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Overview
Synopsis
A timeless tale of “whodunnit,” Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap strands seven strangers at Monkswell Manor during a blizzard. But a police sergeant unexpectedly arrives, worried that a murderer-at-large is among the guests of the Manor. Before he can investigate, one of the guests is killed, starting an investigation into the lives and histories of everyone there. One of them is the killer, and another one of them may be next. Will the police be able to solve the case before another “mouse” falls? The world’s longest continuously running play for over 60 years, The Mousetrap continues to delight and intrigue mystery lovers of all ages.
Show Information
- Book
- Agatha Christie
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1952
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- monkswell manor, 1950s, blizzard
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Samuel French
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Mature Adult, Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
In 1947, when the BBC asked Queen Mary what she would like for her 80th birthday, the Queen had a simple request: a new play from the most popular British playwright, Agatha Christie. Christie obliged, and produced a short radio play entitled Three Blind Mice. The inspiration came from an actual case of child neglect in England. In 1945, the foster parents of Dennis and Terence O’Neill were charged with neglect and ultimately manslaughter for the death of Dennis. This case from Shropshire
to read the context for The Mousetrap and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
The show begins with a scream and a radio broadcast: Mrs. Maureen Lyon has been strangled on a London sidewalk, and police have very few leads. At the same time, Giles and Mollie Ralston finish their preparations for their new guests at Monkswell Manor: Christopher Wren, Mrs. Boyle, Major Metcalf, and Miss Casewell. One by one, the guests arrive as the blizzard outside intensifies. Mollie takes an instant liking to Christopher Wren while Giles dislikes his flirtatious ways. Mrs. Boyle is
to read the plot for The Mousetrap and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress