Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap extends booking to 2052

Dom O'Hanlon
Dom O'Hanlon

It has been announced that the West End's longest running production, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, has extended its booking to 2052 to celebrate the show's centenary at the St Martin's Theatre in London's West End.

The production originally opened in 1952 and starred Richard Attenborough alongside his wife Sheila Sim. It opened at the St Martin's Theatre on 25 Mar 1974 where it recently entered its 63rd year in London, making it the longest running show, of any kind, in the world.

To celebrate the historic extension, LondonTheatre.co.uk will be donating all the profits of ticket sales for The Mousetrap sold on 1st April 2016 to Mousetrap Theatre Projects, a theatre education charity dedicated to bringing the magic of theatre into the lives of disadvantaged young people.

Producer Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen said of the news: "I don't see why it should ever end. By extending booking until our 100th birthday in 2052, we make it possible for people to make their plans to come and see the world's longest running show whenever they like."

It was also announced that the production would be updated to reflect modern life and technology throughout the extended booking period, marking the first time that the original play has been updated in order to relate to audiences in 2052. At a photo call this week the cast experimented with how new technology could be used within the production.

Written by Agatha Christie, The Mousetrap follows a group of people gathered together in a remote part of the countryside who discover there is a murderer in their midst. The question is which one of them is the guilty party?

The West End production will tonight celebrate its 26,417th performance, and its centenary, on the 25th November 2052, will celebrate its 41,848th performance.

Mousetrap Productions has licensed 60 productions of the play worldwide to mark the 60th year and has been seen in every continent, with professional productions in Australia, China, Korea, Turkey, South Africa, Russia, Venezuela, and across Europe, the United States and Canada.

Mousetrap Theatre Projects is a theatre education charity dedicated to bringing the magic of theatre into the lives of young people. 

 Updated: April Fool! As wonderful as The Mousetrap is, they haven't extended until 2052...although we're pretty sure they'll still be going by then. Thanks for sharing our little joke, but remember - all profits from ticket sales to the show today will go to Mousetrap Theatre Projects - that part was 100% true! So make sure you grab your tickets today to support a wonderful cause.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Mousetrap about?

Keep the secret of the world’s longest running mystery! This Agatha Christie classic has tantalised mystery-lovers for generations. Become part of theatrical history as you discover the answer to the theatre world’s best-kept secret. Only you can discover whodunnit! Get your tickets to The Mousetrap at St. Martin’s Theatre today.

How long is The Mousetrap?

The running time of The Mousetrap is 2hr 20min. Incl. 1 interval.

Where is The Mousetrap playing?

The Mousetrap is playing at St. Martin's Theatre. The theatre is located at West Street, London, WC2H 9NZ.

What's the age requirement for The Mousetrap?

The recommended age for The Mousetrap is Ages 7+ (recommended). Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 4s will not be admitted. All children must have their own ticket..

How do you book tickets for The Mousetrap?

Book tickets for The Mousetrap on London Theatre.

Who wrote The Mousetrap?

The Mousetrap was created by the renowned British murder mystery writer Agatha Christie. One of the longest-running theatrical productions in the world, this classic murder mystery has engrossed audiences for over seventy years.

When did The Mousetrap open in the West End?

The Mousetrap opened in the West End on November 25, 1952, and has been running for over a record-breaking 70 years, making it one of the longest-running plays in history.

Is The Mousetrap appropriate for kids?

The Mousetrap is recommended for people over seven years old. An adult must accompany children under the age of 16. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.

Is The Mousetrap good?

The Mousetrap is a thrilling murder mystery that will have you guessing the culprit until the very end. Read our four-star review of the The Mousetrap.

How long has 'The Mousetrap' been in playing in London?

The Mousetrap has been playing in London for over seventy years. It is the longest-running play in the West End.

Who is the murderer in The Mousetrap?

We couldn’t possibly tell you that! To find out who the murderer is, book tickets to The Mousetrap on London Theatre.

Which Agatha Christie book is The Mousetrap based on?

The Mousetrap is based on a radio play called Three Blind Mice. Agatha Christie wrote this for the Royal family in 1947. The story was later adapted into the play, The Mousetrap.

Originally published on

Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock exclusive London theatre updates!

  • Get early access to tickets for the newest shows
  • Access to exclusive deals and promotions
  • Stay in the know about news in the West End
  • Get updates on shows that are important to you

You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy