Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at the Bournemouth Pavilion Review
Agatha Christie’s
The Mousetrap
Bournemouth Pavilion
3-8 August 2015
Reviewed by Louise Abbott
First things first – the Pavilion in Bournemouth is lovely. Situated virtually on the beach front – it’s a perfect location and there is plenty of parking either at the Pavilion itself or within just a few minutes walk. We parked early and made the most of it with a walk along the seafront. What a great start!
The theatre itself is fantastic. Plenty of room, right temperature, easy to see from almost every seat (by the look of it) and comfortable seats – all of which is brilliant (I have been to many where the view is obstructed, or the seat is like concrete, or it’s too hot or freezing cold. My only criticism is that seating further back from the stage is just too far away to see clearly, though binoculars are available for each seat, but I would suggest you get a seat nearer if you think that may be a problem, as with any theatre performance.
The Mousetrap is world famous (and is now in its 63rd year on stage) and I think rightly so because it does appeal to so many. We all love a juicy murder mystery and although this is obviously a dated take on this well-worn theme it does appeal to the sleuth in us all and it does provide us with what we all want- namely strange people all stranded together in a secluded old house. This is, needless to say, a typical Agatha Christie story in that the characters range from almost boring to extremely odd and we are kept guessing to the end.
Due to the agreement we, as spectators have entered into, I cannot divulge any details that may possibly give the game away but what I can say is that interest rarely wanes and the ending is very good. We have solid performances throughout with laughs being provided, primarily by Christopher Wren, and the general interplay between the main characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show – it was good for lots of reasons but I have to mention that some of the female dialogue was too quiet in places. However, don’t let this put you off. This is a classic show in every sense of the word and deserves to run for many years to come. This is a very easy 4½ stars out of 5 from me.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £16.13 to £29.56 (booking fees may apply).
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is at the Bournemouth Pavilion until 8 August 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 576 3000.
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU | 0844 576 3000
