Agatha Christie is one of the most celebrated British authors of all time and arguably the most prolific mystery writer. So it’s no surprise that her works have been adapted for film, television, radio - and, of course, theatre. We all love a good mystery, and there’s nothing more thrilling than seeing a mystery unfold and be solved in real time. There are two big Agatha Christie shows playing in London - which one should you watch?
What is The Mousetrap about?
This classic whodunnit is based on Christie’s 1947 radio play, originally titled ‘Three Blind Mice’. Mr and Mrs Ralston have just inherited a guesthouse called Monkswell Manor and on their first night, they find themselves stranded during a blizzard with four mysterious lodgers… just as the radio announces a serial killer is on the loose. When one guest ends up murdered, the killer can only be someone in the manor…
Where is The Mousetrap performed?
St Martin’s Theatre is located on West Street, London WC2H 9NZ, just off Covent Garden Piazza.The closest Tube stations are Leicester Square (2-minute walk) and Covent Garden (5-minute walk). Charing Cross is the nearest National Rail station, approximately a 5–10 minute walk away.
The cast of THE MOUSETRAP. Image courtesy of production.
Why do people love The Mousetrap?
The Mousetrap is the longest running play on the West End at present - which means you know it’s going to be incredible, but it also makes it a very quintessential and traditional West End experience that you can check off your bucket list if you’re visiting London. It’s also a riveting, suspenseful mystery that’ll have you on the edge of your seat throughout - and the most thrilling part is, the production has gone to great lengths to keep the ending a secret, even refusing any film adaptations as long as the play is still running.
What is Witness For the Prosecution about?
Witness For the Prosecution is based on a 1925 short story by Christie, in which eminent London barrister, Sir Wilfred Robarts, is hired to defend Leonard Vole, who has been charged with the murder of an elderly woman who had willed her fortune to him. As Leonard’s fate hangs in the balance, the only person who can save him is his wife, Romaine, who will testify that Leonard was home with her at the time of the murder. Or will she?
Where is Witness For the Prosecution performed?
London County Hall is located on Belvedere Road, SE1 7PB, opposite the Houses of Parliament. It is within walking distance of Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster stations.
The cast of WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION. Image courtesy of production.
Why do people love Witness For the Prosecution?
The most thrilling aspect of Witness For the Prosecution is the interactive aspect. Audience members in our jury seats will have the opportunity to participate in deciding Leonard Vole’s fate. Even in the other seats, it very much feels like you’re sitting in on a real-life murder trial, with all the intrigue and suspense of a courtroom drama unfolding right in front of your eyes.
What are the key differences between The Mousetrap and Witness For the Prosecution?
The key difference is that Witness For the Prosecution is an interactive play, where most audience members are expected and encouraged to participate in the action, and indeed, even the outcome of the play. The Mousetrap, meanwhile, is a traditional play where the audience sits back and observes the action unfolding.
But both plays offer vastly different types of storytelling as well. The Mousetrap has all the ingredients of a classic whodunnit murder mystery: a murder, a group of possible suspects, and a detective trying to figure out who the killer is. Witness For the Prosecution, meanwhile, is a courtroom drama, where the central mystery is whether or not the defendant committed the murder he’s been accused of. Both offer tension, suspense, drama, and a twist ending, but go about it in very different ways.
Which one should you go see?
Whether you’re an Agatha Christie nut or an overall fan of murder mysteries or if you just want a thrilling evening, you’ll enjoy either play. But if you want to sit back and enjoy watching a story unfold onstage in a more traditional theatre-going experience, opt for The Mousetrap. If the idea of an immersive show and getting involved in the action excites you, go for Witness For the Prosecution, and try to grab those jury seats!
