WHEN Agatha Christie’s play The Mousetrap was first produced in 1952, the great crime novelist thought it might last for eight months.

After 62 years running continuously in London, giving 25,000 performances, this wonderful theatrical institution is now touring.

Based on Christie’s 30- minute radio drama Three Blind Mice, the seemingly immortal Mousetrap has generated its own fame – the longer it runs, the more people want an explanation for its success... so they flock to see it.

In this iconic and enjoyable play, there’s no Hercule Poirot, no Miss Marple, but there is an intriguing detective... and a classic Christie mystery.

Set in an English country house hotel, the newly married young proprietors welcome six disparate guests.

It’s winter, it’s snowing heavily, and – as in Christie’s brilliant Murder On The Orient Express – settling snowdrifts isolate the travellers.

Naturally, the house telephone stops working – outside wires have been cut – and someone is murdered.

Among eight superb actors, Michael Fenner and Anne Kavanagh play their same London production characters – Mr Paravicini and Mrs Boyle.

Asked once about The Mousetrap’s enduring appeal, Agatha Christie suggested: “It’s the sort of play you can take anyone to. It’s not really frightening. It’s not really horrible. It’s not really a farce, but it has a little bit of all these things...”

As always with The Mousetrap, at the play’s end the audience is asked to keep the revelation a secret... that includes reviewers! Runs until Saturday.