Interview with The Mousetrap's Nicky Goldie

What was it about The Mousetrap which made you want to be involved in this timeless production in the West End?

It’s an iconic piece of theatrical history, known worldwide as the world’s and the West End’s longest-running play. And who doesn’t like a great whodunit? It doesn’t need stars to play to packed houses – and friends I know who’ve been in previous casts all reported how much they enjoyed being part of The Mousetrap family. A regular wage for a while, living at home, working with a lovely bunch of talented actors plus an exciting new director who approached the play as she would new work -and my first proper West End contract playing a fabulous “upper class” role for once, I’m usually cast below stairs – I played Mrs Coppins (landlady) in the TV adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Pale Horse.

This isn’t the first Agatha Christie production you’ve performed in, as you have also done Witness for the Prosecution at the London County Hall. Why do you think Agatha Christie’s writing translates so well to the stage with these productions as examples?

Because the audience feels they are involved in solving the mystery and giving their verdict or opinion, and Agatha has created such memorable characters, both Janet McKenzie (the housekeeper I played in Witness) and Mrs Boyle -their dialogue feels totally authentic – and there’s a lot of humour in Agatha’s writing. The imposing setting of County Hall for Witness for the Prosecution makes the production an immersive experience, which is always thrilling for an audience. At the end of The Mousetrap, we ask each audience to keep the secret of the play locked in their hearts – they become our partners in crime.

Had you seen or read the book this play is adapted from before working on the show? If so, how did this impact how you built your character?

My parents took me to see The Mousetrap when I was about 13, and I must have seen it at least 3 times in the last 20 years to support friends who were in it. Our director, Ola Ince, set us homework before we started rehearsals – so I also listened to an audio version of 3 Blind Mice and read the original story . The character of Mrs Boyle is an archetype to a certain degree, so she’s always going to be played within certain parameters because Agatha Christie has drawn the character with such clarity. Great to join the line up of middle aged character actresses - each one making Mrs Boyle their own version of this great battleaxe.

Where did you draw your inspiration from when creating Mrs Boyle your way?

From myself! I usually end up feeling in accord with whoever I’m playing, seeing the world through their eyes. Mrs Boyle has very high standards and expects things to be done in a certain way, and can’t understand when her expectations aren’t matched. Call me a grumpy old woman but I’m no longer afraid to express my displeasure in the way I was when I was younger. “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple…!”

Were there any surprises to your character that you experienced in the rehearsal room?

Yes! Mrs Boyle’s vulnerability, and anxiety from her experiences in the war. Ola has adapted our version of The Mousetrap – using either the original story or the radio play – every word is an Agatha Christie original – but it layered Mrs Boyle as a character for me (even if the audience might not notice a fleeting reference) – she’s not just a nasty complaining middle aged woman.

If you could play another character in this murder mystery - who would you love to take on and why?

Mr Paravicini – a great comedy role, as well as having a hint of menace and keeping us guessing as to who he might really be… plus I do like the challenge of an accent and I’m an Itophile having lived in Italy for a year.

Is it difficult to work on a show that has been in the West End for so long and be able to keep it fresh for new audiences?

The audience feels like the 9th character in the play and every audience is different so that keeps it fresh. We’re almost halfway through our run, and yet we’re still discovering new things about how our characters react, plus our director visits regularly and keeps us on our toes with notes and fresh ideas. The show is really fun to do - that’s what keeps it fresh.

Why do you think The Mousetrap has remained popular for so long?

Does The Mousetrap possibly have National Treasure status? It’s a great entertaining night out for tourists and theatre goers alike, and all the wonderful TV adaptations of Agatha Christie’s work have surely sparked interest – she’s the Queen of Murder Mystery and you can see and solve the whole mystery in 2 hours . I see audiences particularly tourists coming out of the play and taking photos of themselves in front of the theatre – it’s a landmark cultural London experience and quintessentially British.

If people haven’t experienced The Mousetrap yet, why should they go and see this show?

Great story – which is actually based on real events, - written by one of our greatest mystery/thriller/crime writers, in a beautiful West End theatre with affordable ticket prices. The play is the star, fast paced, funny and though The Traitors might have people hooked – there’s nothing like live theatre.

The Mousetrap is currently booking at St Martin's Theatre until 2 January 2027.