The world’s longest-running play, The Mousetrap, is returning to the birthplace of its author, Agatha Christie, for a special run at the Princess Theatre in Torquay, Devon. The famous murder mystery will be performed from 14–19 September 2026 as part of the production’s official 75th Anniversary Tour marking the show’s 75th anniversary season; the play originally opened in London in 1952.
The visit is timed to coincide with the International Agatha Christie Festival (12–20 September 2026), which takes place across the town each year. The production will be in residence on Christie’s birthday, 15 September, making it a central part of the local celebrations for fans and residents.
The play is known for its twist ending, and audiences are traditionally asked to keep the secret of “whodunnit” after they leave the theatre. Brian Fenty, producer of the 75th Anniversary Tour, called the Torquay engagement “a true homecoming” for the production, which has been a staple of British theatre since it first opened in 1952.
Since its West End debut, the production has set and retained the Guinness World Record for the longest theatrical run and celebrated its 30,000th West End performance in March 2025. Local people will have the chance to see the classic 1950s-style mystery during evening performances at 19:30 each night, with matinees at 14:30 on Wednesday and Saturday during the 14–19 September 2026 residency.
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