The Mousetrap Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday

SIX suspects but only one murderer on a mission to avenge those who hurt his (or her) family.

This is, in a nutshell, the nail-biting plot of the now iconic adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.

The ingeniously crafted story line, where no-one is safe from suspicion and each harbours a shameful secret, has inspired scores of whodunnits – some nearly identical copies. But few have stood the test of time as well as The Mousetrap, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

From the very start it is clear to any spectator why that is.

As the play opens, we find ourselves at Monkswell Guesthouse where owners Mollie and Giles Ralston anxiously prepare for the arrival of their very first lodgers.

Despite the heavy snowfall, the motley crew – serial complainer Mrs Boyle, Miss Caswell, Major Metcalf and the barmy Christopher Wren - make their way safely to the old stately home. They are soon joined by a stranded traveller Mr Paravicini.

Meanwhile the wireless is full of the news of the gruesome murder of a helpless Londoner – and police are on the hunt for any clue to elucidate the mystery of her death.

As the guests navigate carefully around each other, a police sergeant appears at the Ralstons’ door, claiming the guesthouse’s address was left at the victim’s apartment - along with a cryptic message about three blind mice - and that the killer could well be in their midst.

When the death toll starts to rise, everyone becomes the prime suspect.

Following a tight yet multi-layered structure, The Mousetrap subverts spectators’ expectations at every turn, keeping us guessing until the very last scene. The cast’s body language, subtle performance and poker faces go a long way to building suspense until the climatic reveal.

Anne Kavanagh is faultless as the uppity Mrs Boyle who revels in complaining and finding fault with everything and everyone unlucky enough to cross her path.

Sergeant Trotter (Luke Jenkins) had the audience in the palm of his hand, and I know I certainly hung on his every word, as he dissected the riddle in front of him and each protagonist’s motive. His charismatic delivery and commanding presence drove the play.

The Mousetrap has not aged a day. It captures imaginations like no other detective story and will leave audiences on the edge of their seats until the curtain falls. MARION SAUVEBOIS