The Mousetrap - Signed, with Program and Invitation

5RR Agatha Christie, 1958; SIGNED, with Original Program and Invitation for the 50th Anniversary

Notes

Inscribed presentation copy from Agatha Christie to the actor who played Giles Ralston on the sixth anniversary of the production.

Packet of items includes an original 25th Anniversary souvenir program dated November 25th, 1977; and a 50th Anniversary Programme for a performance in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the official gilt edged invitation addressed to Mr. James Grout and guest. 

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie has one of the most remarkable histories in modern theatre. Its origins trace back to 1947, when Christie was commissioned by the BBC to write a short radio play titled Three Blind Mice as a birthday gift for Queen Mary, a devoted fan of her work. The 30-minute drama aired on May 30, 1947, and was well-received, laying the groundwork for what would become her most iconic stage production. In 1952, Christie adapted the story into a full-length play and renamed it The Mousetrap. The stage version premiered on November 25, 1952, at the Ambassadors Theatre in London under the direction of Peter Cotes. With its classic whodunit structure and a now-famous twist ending, the play quickly captured the imagination of audiences.

What began as a limited run gained momentum through word-of-mouth and glowing reviews, becoming a staple of the West End. In 1974, the production moved next door to St Martin’s Theatre, where it has continued ever since. The 50th anniversary of The Mousetrap was celebrated in 2002 with a special gala performance, to which Queen Elizabeth II was invited. The event marked a cultural milestone, with guest appearances from well-known actors and a commemorative plaque unveiled to honor the occasion. Despite the passage of time and the evolution of theatre, The Mousetrap has remained largely unchanged in its staging and cast rotation, preserving its mid-century charm.

With over 28,000 performances to date, The Mousetrap holds the record as the longest-running play in the world. Its only interruption came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021, after which it promptly resumed performances. Today, the play continues to run at St Martin’s Theatre, drawing new generations of theatre-goers with its timeless mystery and a tradition that asks audiences to keep its ending secret. It remains not just a play, but a living piece of theatrical history.

Description

Original blue cloth, triple ruled and with titles in gilt to the upper board. An excellent near fine copy, the binding square and firm with a little rubbing at the spine tips and corners. The contents, with mild toning to the endpapers are otherwise clean throughout and without the previous owner's marks.

Inscription in blue ink on the front endpaper reads: "For James Grout / on our Sixth Birthday / Agatha Christie"