The History of The Mousetrap

How a Birthday Gift Became the World’s Longest-Running Play

 

The history of The Mousetrap is almost as surprising as the twist ending of the play itself. What began as a small radio drama written for royalty quietly evolved into one of the most iconic theatrical productions of all time. Here’s a quick, story-style look at how Agatha Christie’s classic mystery found its way to the West End, and stayed there for more than seven decades.

 

1947-

The origins of The Mousetrap trace back to 1947, when Agatha Christie wrote a short radio play called Three Blind Mice. It wasn’t originally intended for the stage at all, it was a birthday gift for Queen Mary. The broadcast was so well-received that Christie later adapted the piece into a short story.

Late 1940s- 

Christie soon decided the story would be better suited for live theatre. Wanting to preserve its stage potential, she withdrew the short story from future publication and began expanding the radio script into a full-length play. This adaptation would eventually become The Mousetrap.

1952-

The first performance of The Mousetrap took place on October 6, 1952 at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham. Just a few weeks later, on November 25, it opened in London’s West End at the Ambassadors Theatre. Richard Attenborough and Sheila Sim led the original cast, actors who would help launch what would become a theatrical landmark.

1950s–1970s- 

Throughout the 1950s, The Mousetrap reached milestone after milestone. It hit its 1,000th performance in 1955, became the West End’s longest-running straight play by 1957, and soon after surpassed the record for the longest-running show in London.

In 1974, after more than 22 years at the Ambassadors Theatre, the production transferred next door to St. Martin’s Theatre, where it has remained ever since.

2020-

For 68 years, nothing stopped The Mousetrap, not cast changes, weather, or even major world events. The only interruption came in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced theatres across the UK to close. The production paused for the first time in its history.

2021 and Beyond-

In May 2021, The Mousetrap proudly reopened and returned to the stage, reaffirming its place in the West End. In 2025, it reached an extraordinary milestone: 30,000 performances, a record unmatched by any other play in the world.

A Timeless Tradition

From a short royal radio play to a global theatrical phenomenon, The Mousetrap has earned its place in history. Its longevity is more than a record; it’s a testament to Christie’s enduring storytelling, the charm of a classic whodunit, and the unique thrill of live theatre.

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