One of the most-loved stage plays of all time, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, will be coming to The Courtyard at the end of the month.

The Mousetrap has been the world’s longest running stage production at its London home since 1958. The 60th Anniversary – and first ever - UK tour of this beloved murder mystery has been seen by more than 600,000 people across more than 600 performances, breaking box office records in many of its venues. It is no wonder that the play at The Courtyard is eagerly anticipated among many local residents.

Louise Jameson, who plays Mrs Boyle, spoke to the Ross Gazette a little more about the murder mystery. Many people will recognise Louise as the actress who played Leela in Dr Who, opposite Tom Baker in the 1970s. She was also a star in Eastenders, where she played Rosa di Marco.

Louise said that while she usually plays likeable characters, the role of Mrs Boyle was a juxtaposition. “She’s exactly as the same suggests. Poisonous,” Louise told the Gazette "She’s not like anything I usually play. It was such a joy to do. It’s good old-fashioned escapism.”

Louise joined the production in January. Until that point she had been playing the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, a Christmas pantomime.

She said that the actors become a channel to deliver the text to the audience. She explained they act as a camera, directing the audience where to look. She said: “Nobody’s upstaging anyone else. It’s a cracking production, and the team gelled really well very quickly.”

Louise added that playing the show is as exciting for the actors as it is for the audience. “They gasp when the reveal happens,” she said, “you can see some people picking up on clues throughout the performance.”

She continued: “There are rumours that Agatha Christie wrote three endings,” but she said the production team always ask for the audience not to give away the twist after the play has ended.

The Mousetrap will be coming to The Courtyard from May 31st until June 4th. The play begins at 7.30pm every night, with 2pm matineés on Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th June. To book tickets, call the Box Office on 01432 340555 or visit: www.courtyard.org.uk.