The Mousetrap, St Martin’s Theatre 1982

The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre: The World’s Longest-Running Play

In the heart of London’s West End, nestled on West Street just a stone’s throw from Leicester Square, The Mousetrap continues its record-breaking run at the historic St Martin’s Theatre. More than a mere murder mystery, Agatha Christie’s enduring whodunit has become a cultural landmark—an experience shared by generations of theatre-goers from across the world.

A Murder Mystery That Made History

The Mousetrap began life in 1947 as a short radio play titled Three Blind Mice, commissioned for Queen Mary’s 80th birthday. It was later adapted for the stage by Christie herself, premiering at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham in October 1952. Just weeks later, on 25 November 1952, it opened in London at the Ambassadors Theatre.

The play moved next door to St Martin’s Theatre in March 1974, where it has remained ever since. The run has only been interrupted once, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary closure between March 2020 and May 2021.

An Unrivalled Theatrical Run

No other stage production has come close to matching The Mousetrap’s longevity. By 1957, it had already broken records for the longest-running West End play. In the decades since, it has reached milestone after milestone:

• 5,000th performance: 1964

• 10,000th: 1976

• 20,000th: 2000

• 25,000th: 2012

• 30,000th performance: Celebrated in March 2025

More than 400 actors have appeared in the production, and it’s estimated that over 10 million people have seen the show in London alone.

The Setting: St Martin’s Theatre

St Martin’s Theatre, designed by W.G.R. Sprague, opened in 1916 and has been the perfect home for The Mousetrap. With a capacity of just over 550, it offers an intimate setting that heightens the suspense of the play’s snowbound country house setting. The theatre itself is Grade II listed, with its Edwardian charm preserved and celebrated.

Inside, the foyer proudly displays a running total of the number of performances—a favourite photo opportunity for visitors.

What Keeps It Going?

At the heart of The Mousetrap is a classic Christie plot: a group of strangers stranded in a remote guesthouse during a snowstorm, each with secrets—and one with a motive for murder. With twists, red herrings, and a famously concealed ending, it captures the essence of the traditional British mystery.

A unique tradition has helped maintain its mystique: at the end of each performance, the audience is asked not to reveal the identity of the killer. This simple request has helped generations of theatregoers preserve the surprise.

Another factor in its staying power is its rotating cast. Each year, new actors take on the familiar roles, bringing fresh energy to the long-running production while preserving the original staging and tone.

Planning a Visit

Performances of The Mousetrap are held six days a week:

• Evenings: Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm

• Matinees: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 3 pm

Running time is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, including an interval. The play is suitable for audiences aged 7 and up, and tickets typically start from around £31, with premium options also available.

St Martin’s Theatre is located at West Street, London WC2H 9NZ, a short walk from Leicester Square and Covent Garden tube stations.