The Mousetrap tickets

Head to St Martin's Theatre to see the world's longest-running play, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap in London. Follow the fates of seven complete strangers as they become involved in a murder mystery. 

One of the most popular shows in the West End, The Mousetrap first performed in London in 1952 and has kept millions of people on the edge of their seats for the past 70 years. Will you be able to solve the mystery?

What is The Mousetrap play by Agatha Christie about?

An Agatha Christie masterpiece, The Mousetrap is a classic murder mystery that takes place in a remote English country house hotel during a snowstorm. The hotel owners and their guests are shocked when Detective Sergeant Trotter turns up and tells them that a murderer is coming to the hotel. But it seems the murderer has already arrived when one of the guests is found dead!

Guests and staff alike become potential suspects, some of whom are seen hiding, possibly planning their escape, or trying to answer the most important question of all. It's the question many have tried to answer for years, and perhaps one of the best kept secrets of London's West End: whodunnit?  

The Mousetrap was written by Agatha Christie, the queen of the crime fiction and creator of some of the greatest detectives in literature. Expect the usual twists, turns and double bluffs as the audience tries to work out which character is responsible for the murder. The play was originally written for the BBC – as a short story entitled Three Blind Mice – for Queen Mary's 80th birthday. Agatha Christie adapted the story for the stage and The Mousetrap was born in 1952, running in the West End for a few months, before continuing to captivate audiences from all around the world for many decades.  

There is no kiss and tell in this show, and that is probably the recipe for success. After the show, you'll be asked to keep the identity of the murderer a secret, so that the play remains a mystery to others. After more than 70 years in London's West End, this classic murder mystery still keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

The suspects and cast of The Mousetrap

Since The Mousetrap had its opening night more than 450 actors and actresses have walked the iconic stage of Ambassador's Theatre and, from 1974, the St Martin's Theatre. 

Lucy Doyle (The Play That Goes Wrong) plays Mollie Ralston, a newlywed who has just inherited Monkswell Manor, and opens it as a guesthouse with her husband. Her reasons for opening the family home to the public remain mysterious. Her husband, Giles Ralston, is played by Daniel Cech-Lucas (The Play That Goes Wrong).

Lynton Appleton (The Wind and the Rain) plays the role of Christopher Wren, a flamboyant personality with a sometimes inappropriate sense of humour that can be nerve-racking in a murder case.

Jules Melvin (Witness for the Prosecution, Othello) plays Mrs Boyle, a strong-willed old lady who refuses to compromise. 

Ben Onwukwe (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Full Monty) plays Major Metcalf, a man who seems a little too forward when he offers his help to the hotel owners trying to cope with a snowstorm.

Elyssia Roe (Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet) plays Miss Casewell, who is staying at the manor on a business trip and is unwilling to discuss anything personal with the other guests.

Lorenzo Martelli (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) plays Mr Paravicini, a gentleman portraying himself as if from another era and enjoying the uncertainty that seems to unfold at the manor. 

Sam Stafford (Ready, Steady, Crooks!, Vikings: Valhalla) investigate the murder case as Detective Sergeant Trotter, a man keen to make his mark and solve the case.

Please note that the cast is subject to change.

Is The Mousetrap London the longest-running play?

Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, an award-winning play, premiered in London's West End in 1952 and has since become the longest-running play in the world. It originally opened at the Ambassadors Theatre before moving to the iconic St Martin's Theatre in 1974, where it continues to meet great success. The story was first adapted as a radio play, commissioned by the BBC under the title Three Blind Mice. Soon after, it was reworked for the stage, where it has since made history, captivating audiences with its suspenseful, plot-twisting narrative.

Agatha Christie did not anticipate its phenomenal success, expecting the play to run for at best eight months. Today, it remains one of the West End's most popular and lasting productions.

Fun fact: no movie adaptation of The Mousetrap can be made until six months after the play has closed in the West End – a moment that has yet to arrive!

How to book tickets to The Mousetrap in London

Book tickets to see The Mousetrap with Visit London. View a seating plan to pick where to sit and watch the longest-running play. 

Ticket prices can be seen when viewing the seating map.

How long is The Mousetrap play in London?

The Mousetrap is two hours and 20 minutes long, including an interval.

What time is the evening show?

Evening performances usually take place at 7.30pm, from Mondays to Saturdays.

On which days are there matinees performances?

The Mousetrap matinees usually take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 3pm – although times may vary. Make sure to check your ticket in advance.

Where is The Mousetrap show running in London?

The Mousetrap is showing at St Martin's Theatre, located on West Street.

How to get there:

• Tube: The closest stations are Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines) and Covent Garden (Piccadilly line). 
• Bus: You can catch the following buses which stop at Cambridge Circus: 14, 19, 24, 176, N5, N19, N20, N29, N38, N41 and N279.
• Cycling: Rent a Santander Cycles bike and head towards Moor Street in Soho where you can find bike docks. 

Is there any age restriction?

The play is recommended for anyone aged seven and above. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

What other shows can I watch in London? 

Attend trial in a London courtroom in true Agatha Christie style with Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall, or don't miss the classic story of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre.