Agatha Christie’s timeless murder mystery, The Mousetrap, has just surpassed 30,000 performances, a monumental achievement that was celebrated at St Martin’s Theatre on March 19, 2025. The production received official recognition from Guinness World Records, earning a certificate for the title of ‘longest theatrical run.’ First opened in 1952, The Mousetrap continues to captivate audiences over 70 years later.
The historic milestone was commemorated with a special matinee performance attended by over 400 children from across London, reflecting the show's enduring appeal to younger generations. Craig Glenday, the editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, noted, “We’ve monitored this category from the very first edition in 1955. The Mousetrap overtook the previous holder in 1958, making it one of the all-time longest-standing world records.”
Brian Fenty, producer of The Mousetrap, highlighted the ongoing relevance of the play, stating, “As The Mousetrap celebrates its record-shattering 30,000th performance, I’m reminded daily of the timeless genius behind Agatha Christie’s work and her landmark whodunnit. It’s an honor to carry forward this legacy, proof that remarkable storytelling can unite audiences across generations—and endure for decades to come.”
The Mousetrap originally premiered at the Theatre Royal Nottingham in 1952 and later moved to the West End, reaching its current home at St Martin's Theatre in 1974. The classic whodunnit tells the story of seven strangers stranded in a remote countryside guesthouse called Monkswell Manor, where suspense builds as a police sergeant reveals that a killer is among them. The intrigue has ensnared audiences for decades, reflecting Christie’s unparalleled skill as a mystery writer.
The current cast features talents such as Lara Lemon as Mollie Ralston, Harry Bradley as Giles Ralston, and Richard Leeming as Christopher Wren, among others. They have made their mark on a production that has not only captured hearts but also firmly established itself in the annals of theatrical history.
The Mousetrap would achieve lasting success. In her autobiography, she recounts a conversation with the play’s producer, Peter Saunders, who estimated a run of fourteen months. Christie humorously countered, “It won’t run that long. Eight months perhaps. Yes, I think eight months.” The play initially started as a 30-minute radio drama titled Three Blind Mice, rewritten into its current form at the request of Queen Mary for her 80th birthday.The ticket sales for The Mousetrap are as robust as ever, extending bookings through to March 21, 2026, ensuring that its legacy continues. As the production gears up to enter its 74th year in November 2025, it solidifies its position as a cultural landmark in London, and testament to the lasting power of Christie’s storytelling.
For those interested, tickets can be purchased via sites like LondonTheatre.co.uk, a convenient platform for fans and new audiences alike eager to experience this legendary play.
![The Mousetrap celebrates 30,000 performances in the West End [Updated] | West End Theatre](https://thumbor.evrimagaci.org/JpG8UcLg6oDKDFB_KcHUO8aABE0=/200x0/tpg%2Fsources%2F019614b1-35a8-4c84-ba30-2390052f94f2.jpeg)