Interview with Susan Penhaligon performing in the UK tour of The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap

Susan Penhaligon (Bouquet of Barbed Wire, A Fine Romance)

How do you feel to be performing in the new UK tour of The Mousetrap
and in such an iconic production?

I never thought I’d be in The Mousetrap. I’ve been in two of Agatha Christie’s other plays
And Then There Were None and a little known one called Verdict but I’d never seen The
Mousetrap or read it. When the part came up, I read the play and I thought ‘wow’, it’s
funny, tense, has great characters, brilliant plot, and what struck me was that it was based
on a real event – chilling really. Agatha Christie is so clever, there’s always truthful
emotion in her plays. She’s the second most read English writer after Shakespeare so she
must have done something right!

You’re well-known for your roles in TV programmes Bouquet of Barbed
Wire, A Fine Romance and Emmerdale, to name a few. How does
performing on stage compare to screen?

I’ve done a lot of theatre, touring, West End and fringe. I started in a two-weekly rep in
Worthing as an acting ASM when I was 21. There isn’t a better way to understand and
learn about the theatre. Also, I was trained for the theatre. In the late sixties at drama
school we all hoped we would go to the RSC or the National Theatre which was the Old
Vic in those days, that was our aspiration, not TV, certainly not commercials, and films
seemed out of our grasp unless we went to Hollywood. But for some reason all through
the seventies and eighties I seemed to land lots of TV and film roles. I just went with the
flow. But I always tried to do a play once a year if I could. You have to keep practising to
get good at anything.

Are you an Agatha Christie fan?
Yes I am. I’ve read most of her books and I’ve read her biography. I think she’s
fascinating.

What can audiences expect from The Mousetrap?

It’s a great story. A guessing game of a whodunnit and a brilliant one at that.
What is your favourite element of Mrs Boyle? Do you share any character
traits?
I like Mrs Boyle because she says it as it is, she doesn’t hold back. She’s the type of
woman who is used to being in control of situations. Probably to make herself feel
safe. I don’t think she feels safe in The Mousetrap! She’s funny too.

What do you think it is about The Mousetrap that has made it the longest
running play in the world and has audiences coming back again and
again?

It’s a perfect plot, it’s vintage with very recognisable period characters and it’s spooky. It’s
great quality entertainment. I think it’s interesting to see an original play of hers, on the
stage, rather than on TV, particularly as it was written for the theatre. It’s a different
animal. But I think nowadays, because of the many TV Agatha’s, audiences are familiar
with the world they are entering. The pact between actors and audience is made the
moment the curtain goes up. I’m sure they think ‘Ah, we know where we are with this
one’ and they relax. And the great thing is, no one knows who the murderer is. Unless
you’ve been before!

You’ve toured the UK with several stage productions, including Cabaret,
Rehearsal for Murder and most recently, Handbagged, what do you
most enjoy about touring across the country?

I don’t mind touring, but I also like being at home. I’m quite pragmatic about work. It’s a
job, it’s how I earn my living. Like many actors I’m sometimes out of work. I don’t think
I’m special because I’ve been on TV or in a film. I find the celebrity culture these days
slightly alarming. Fame for fame’s sake. Actually, I think being an actor, or an entertainer
is an important job in society and there’s nothing like live theatre.

Do you have any fond memories or link to the venues/areas you will be
touring to with The Mousetrap?

I’m Cornish so the farther West I go, the happier I am. And I love the sea!

Why should people come and see The Mousetrap?

Come see an iconic show and find out why it’s been on for 67 years. It’s a fantastic
night out.

See Susan Penhaligon in The Mousetrap at The Orchard Theatre from

Mon 16 to Sat 21 September.

Book online or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.

TOUR TRAILER AND UK TOUR TICKETS