Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, brings a close to The Arts Club Theatre Company’s 2024-25 season. Playing until August 10, the classic murder mystery is faithfully brought to life at the Granville Island Stage. Viewing a preview ahead of opening night we saw a cast of Vancouver’s finest, add their names to the roster of hundreds who have played Christie’s characters over The Mousetrap’s 73 year history.
This Arts Club Theatre production is directed by Stephen Drover, finding the balance between the wit and suspense of Christie’s script. With a cast that includes Andrew McNee, as Mr Paravicini, who can illicit laughter with the slightest lift of an eyebrow, and Charlie Gallant, as Detective Sergeant Trotter, whose intense detective sits at the opposite end of the scale. The house full of suspects also includes Jay Clift and Ming Hudson as Giles and Mollie owners of the newly opened Monkswell Manor Inn. On a fateful stormy-night, Giles and Mollie welcome their first batch of lodgers; Zander Eke as Christopher Wren, , Melissa Oei as Miss Casewell, Anthony Santiago as Major Metcalf and Beatrice Zeilinger as Mrs. Boyle. After everyone arrives they become snowbound while the wireless reports that a homicidal maniac is on the loose. Will they be safe, are they potential victims or suspects?
Since opening in London’s West End in 1952 the world’s longest running play has amassed over 30,000 performance as of this year, not counting hundreds of international performances, yet still the audiences have securely kept the twist ending a secret allowing fans to play the sleuth time and time again.
To build the atmosphere of the decades-old mystery Set Designer Patrick Rizzotti transforms the Arts Club’s Granville Stage into the manor house reception hall, while Nancy Bryant’s post-war costumes complete the look. Lighting Designer Itai Erdal adds drama and impact with the addition of MJ Coomber’s sound design filling the space with creaks and groans of the moody old house.
Maintain the mystery of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap until August 10, 2025 at The Arts Club Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street. Visit theartsclub.com for showtimes and ticket information