REVIEW: The Mousetrap, Connaught Theatre, Worthing

That is certainly the case at Worthing’s Connaught Theatre this week and while it was nice to see the old girl full last night, it was predictably unbearably hot, thanks to literally every seat being filled.

Filled that is once two late arrivals had been ushered into the last two seats, which happened to be next to us.

It was very frustrating and meant I missed the early build-up in the murder mystery.

Although it wasn’t the opening night for the tour, it was the opening night in Worthing and I sensed there were a few teething problems early on.

But those lucky enough to have seats for the rest of the run until Saturday can rest assured they have a treat to look forward to.

The set is stunning, a country house that has just become a guest house, although as they were supposedly snow-bound some sign of the white stuff on people’s coats might have created that vision better.

The tension built, one by one, the truth about people was revealed and the red herrings were laid down.

The second half, in particular, was gripping and, as usual with Agatha Christie, there were possibilities that each and every one could have been the murderer.

Perhaps it is because of the many such plays I have seen that I correctly guessed the denouement but there were loud cries of shock from most of the audience when the truth was finally revealed.

One particularly nice vision yesterday evening was the group that arrived fully dressed up in period costume. They said they had always wanted to see the play and wanted to make an occasion of it. Jolly good show!