A New Era for The Mousetrap: Bold Director Suggests It's Time to Revisit the Original Whodunit.
The Mousetrap, a timeless murder mystery that has been thrilling audiences in London's West End for 73 years, is about to receive a fresh new twist with its latest director, Ola Ince. Known for her bold takes on Shakespearean classics at the Globe Theatre, Ince brings a modern sensibility to Agatha Christie's iconic play.
Ince reveals that she was initially unaware of the full complexity and nuance of Christie's masterpiece when she first took on the show. "It feels juicier than I had previously imagined," Ince remarks. The director credits Christie with creating a rich tapestry of quirky characters, whose intricate relationships and motives will keep audiences guessing until the very end.
Ince notes that The Mousetrap is a pioneering work in many ways - not only as a playwright but also as a woman writer in a traditionally male-dominated industry. "I'd love people to celebrate her more as a playwright," Ince says, emphasizing Christie's significance beyond her novels.
As part of her new direction, Ince has introduced innovative changes to the production. A revamped sound design by Max Perryment will heighten the psychological tension and thrill of the play, while rearranging the furniture and returning to Christie's original manuscript will add depth to the characters' interactions.
Ince also highlights the importance of balancing humor with gravitas in The Mousetrap. "Balancing the comic with the serious is one of the main challenges," she observes.
A keen observer of social change, Ince has noticed that while there have been significant advances in diversity in recent years, it's still a long way from achieving true equality. She notes that Agatha Christie's work often reflected her time period, including issues like class structure and sexism, but also highlighted the need for equity.
The Mousetrap continues to set records, with over 30,000 performances since its premiere. Ince is thrilled to be at the helm of this historic production, promising an exciting new chapter in the play's illustrious history.
The Mousetrap, a timeless murder mystery that has been thrilling audiences in London's West End for 73 years, is about to receive a fresh new twist with its latest director, Ola Ince. Known for her bold takes on Shakespearean classics at the Globe Theatre, Ince brings a modern sensibility to Agatha Christie's iconic play.
Ince reveals that she was initially unaware of the full complexity and nuance of Christie's masterpiece when she first took on the show. "It feels juicier than I had previously imagined," Ince remarks. The director credits Christie with creating a rich tapestry of quirky characters, whose intricate relationships and motives will keep audiences guessing until the very end.
Ince notes that The Mousetrap is a pioneering work in many ways - not only as a playwright but also as a woman writer in a traditionally male-dominated industry. "I'd love people to celebrate her more as a playwright," Ince says, emphasizing Christie's significance beyond her novels.
As part of her new direction, Ince has introduced innovative changes to the production. A revamped sound design by Max Perryment will heighten the psychological tension and thrill of the play, while rearranging the furniture and returning to Christie's original manuscript will add depth to the characters' interactions.
Ince also highlights the importance of balancing humor with gravitas in The Mousetrap. "Balancing the comic with the serious is one of the main challenges," she observes.
A keen observer of social change, Ince has noticed that while there have been significant advances in diversity in recent years, it's still a long way from achieving true equality. She notes that Agatha Christie's work often reflected her time period, including issues like class structure and sexism, but also highlighted the need for equity.
The Mousetrap continues to set records, with over 30,000 performances since its premiere. Ince is thrilled to be at the helm of this historic production, promising an exciting new chapter in the play's illustrious history.