When Agatha Christie wrote her famous play The Mousetrap, she had little faith it would have a life beyond the initial 14-month run in 1952.
But on Thursday, May 28, when The Dubai-based theatre group Backstage presents its two-hour version of the popular murder-mystery at Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, it will also act as a testament of why the play continues to stand the test of time.
The story follows eight characters who are trapped in an ancient manor-turned-guesthouse and come under suspicion for murder.
"The Mousetrap doesn't come across as a cliché ... And even though it has been running for so long, the interest in this hasn't died down," says Priyanka Johri, the director.
Christie’s play debuted in October 1952 at Theatre Royal in Nottingham, moved to London’s Ambassadors Theatre the following month and then to St Martin’s Theatre. After more than 25,000 performances, it continues to be staged there to full houses.
The play was one of the first the 27-year-old Johri watched, as a child, and she has been fascinated ever since.
“I love Agatha Christie and my first play with Backstage was one of her works, as well,” says Johri.
"With The Mousetrap, I've stayed true to the script, but worked a lot on the character's backstories ... The characters cannot reveal much about themselves during the play, but at the same time, they have this past and depth that governs the way they act in that situation. So it has to be a perfect balance."
Staying true to the original era, the set is plastered with rustic wallpaper and decorated with props, including radiators, a transistor, wooden pair of skies – all designed, Johri explains, to “take you back in time”.
• Backstage’s The Mousetrap will be staged from Thursday, May 28, until Saturday, May 30, at Ductac – Mall of the Emirates. Tickets are priced at Dh100 and can be booked on www.ductac.org
aahmed@thenational.ae
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
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Fresh faces in UAE side
Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.
Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.
Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.
RESULT
Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Everton 1 Stoke City 0
Everton (Rooney 45 1')
Man of the Match Phil Jagielka (Everton)
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
The biog
Name: Salem Alkarbi
Age: 32
Favourite Al Wasl player: Alexandre Oliveira
First started supporting Al Wasl: 7
Biggest rival: Al Nasr
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